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Candela and DNV partner to get foiling P-12 on the water

Candela & DNV Partner

Candela P-12 is the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry.

Safety standards are typically designed with traditional ships in mind—not carbon fiber, computer-controlled electric vessels that fly above the water. That’s why Candela and DNV had to innovate to ensure the world’s first foiling electric ferry could hit the water while meeting the rigorous standards that ensure maritime safety.

Stockholm, June 4, 2025

Candela, the Swedish electric hydrofoil pioneer, has partnered with global assurance and risk management leader DNV on the groundbreaking Candela P-12 ferry. Using DNV’s rigorous Technology Qualification (TQ) process, Candela has systematically assessed and mitigated risks associated with its novel technology, resulting in vessels ready for commercial operation.

As the first electric hydrofoil ferry in serial production, the P-12 introduces several technological firsts – such as real-time foil control systems, computer-stabilized flight, and ultra-light carbon fiber construction – that are not fully covered by traditional maritime standards. DNV’s TQ framework was critical in providing a path toward regulatory approval.

“Our goal was not just to comply with safety regulations, but to redefine them,” says Niklas Nordin, Candela’s Chief Product Officer. “The TQ process gave us the structure to identify potential hazards early and implement safety mechanisms that go beyond the required minimums.”

The Candela P-12 flies above the water on computer-guided hydrofoils, reducing drag and energy use by 80% – enabling high-speed, long-range travel on battery power alone. But while flying, the vessel depends on real-time software control to remain airborne.

“That was one of the scenarios we tested through the TQ process – unplugging the flight computer mid-flight,” says Niklas Nordin. “We’ve built passive safety into the hydrofoil system, so that if the control is lost, water pressure automatically forces the foils into a neutral position, gently lowering the vessel back into the water. It worked exactly as intended.”

“With our DNV technology qualification process we leverage the knowledge and expertise of our subject matter experts, alongside our customers, to address the challenges and uncertainties in technology at the cutting edge of maritime transport,” Mikael Johansson, Senior Principal Consultant and Head of Maritime Advisorz for Sweden and Denmark. “We’ve enjoyed an excellent cooperation with Candela, they have taken advantage of the TQ process to not merely aim for compliance but build in more redundancy and safety functionality than required. The award of this statement is a fantastic achievement, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration.”

DNV’s structured methodology provided Candela with a full validation roadmap, from early design to sea trials. The result: a state-of-the-art electric ferry that combines bold innovation with proven safety – a vessel now operating in Stockholm’s public transport network and ready for global deployment.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:
mikael.mahlberg@candela.com

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