In a groundbreaking achievement for electric marine travel, a Swedish team has successfully completed a historic crossing of the Mediterranean in an electric boat that can actually fly. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the realm of clean maritime transportation, proving that electric boats are not just limited to calm lakes and harbors – they are now ready for open sea voyages.
The vessel that made this impressive journey possible is the Candela C-8 Polestar Edition, a hydrofoil electric boat that utilizes computer-controlled hydrofoils to lift out of the water as it accelerates. By keeping only the hydrofoils in the water, the C-8 is able to reduce its energy consumption by approximately 80% compared to conventional vessels.
Piloted by Candela CEO Gustav Hasselskog, the C-8 soared across the 24-nautical-mile Strait of Gibraltar from Sotogrande, Spain to Ceuta, North Africa in just over an hour. Despite facing strong currents and choppy seas at the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the C-8’s hydrofoils counteracted wave motion in real-time, ensuring a stable and smooth ride.
This achievement was more than just a mere publicity stunt for Candela. It served as a demonstration of the potential for future routes using their upcoming P-12 electric ferry, a 30-passenger hydrofoiling vessel that is already operational in Stockholm. By showcasing the capability of a battery-powered boat to handle the challenging conditions of the Mediterranean, Candela aims to revolutionize short regional ferry routes currently serviced by polluting diesel ferries.
The impact of this innovation could be transformative, particularly in regions like the Strait of Gibraltar where millions of crossings occur annually, predominantly using large ferries focused on vehicle transport. With vessels like the P-12, Candela envisions a future of direct, efficient, and environmentally friendly electric ferry routes that are faster and more cost-effective.
Not only is electric marine travel cleaner and quieter, but it also offers significant cost savings. The entire Gibraltar crossing consumed just 40 kWh of energy, equivalent to €8 or US $9 worth of electricity. In contrast, the gasoline-powered photo boat accompanying the Candela used 50 liters (13 gallons) of fuel, costing around €90 (US $102). This substantial fuel savings, along with reduced maintenance and emissions, highlights the economic and environmental benefits of electric marine transportation.
Candela collaborated with Avangreen, a clean energy company responsible for Ceuta’s largest solar project, to promote sustainable marine infrastructure in the region. The successful Mediterranean crossing using the Candela C-8 Polestar Edition, with its 69 kWh battery and fast charging capability, demonstrates the potential for a cleaner and more efficient future in marine transport.
As plans for additional Candela ferry routes take shape in various locations around the world, including Berlin, Lake Tahoe, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, the electrification of marine transportation is poised to revolutionize the industry. This historic Mediterranean crossing signifies a crucial step towards a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable marine future – one that we are all eager to embrace.
