Swedish marine tech company Candela has bagged a contract from Mumbai-based ferry operator JalVimana to deploy 11 hydrofoiling ferries, creating new links across the megapolis’ waterways.
“Mumbai’s commuters will soon be able to fly to work — on electric ships. A fleet of 11 hydrofoiling Candela P-12 commuter ferries will create new links across Mumbai’s waterways, forming the nucleus of the city’s electric transport network, which is set to eventually include thousands of vessels,” the company said in a statement.
Efficient commuting
The government of Maharashtra has laid out a bold vision to revolutionise transport in the megacity – by turning to its most underused asset: the sea. With over 23 million residents and overstretched roads, the state’s ports minister Nitesh Rane and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have recently announced that thousands of electric ferries will transform Mumbai’s waterways into high-speed arteries for clean, efficient transport.
“This is a groundbreaking project that unlocks the full potential of Mumbai’s waterways for efficient commuting — and by investing in hydrofoil technology, the city is leapfrogging legacy waterborne transport systems,” Gustav Hasselskog, CEO, Candela, said.
The novel Candela P-12 uses computer-guided underwater wings to raise its hull above the water, slashing energy consumption, eliminating wake and slamming, running silently, safely, and at a fraction of the operating cost of conventional diesel vessels.
Reducing travel time
The first Candela P-12 vessels in Mumbai will serve two of the city’s most heavily trafficked routes on water: between the Gateway of India and Alibaug — a journey that typically takes 2–3 hours by car — and from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
“The sale represents the largest single electric fleet in the world so far and will play a pivotal role in establishing Mumbai as a global leader in sustainable urban water transport,” the company said.
Another line is being planned by JalVimana to connect the new airport with central Mumbai, with expected travel times reduced from 1 hour and 30 minutes to less than 30 minutes.
“We believe Candela’s next-generation P-12 will be a giant leap for Mumbai and towards our national goals of a susainable future for our vast Indian coastline and inland waterways. JalVimana is honoured to bring this Swedish gift to our ancient shores”, Niraj Thakur, CEO, JalVimana said.
Following its debut in Stockholm in late 2024, where it slashed commute times and eliminated emissions, the P-12 has proven that electric ferries can be a transformative part of urban mobility — not just in Scandinavia, but globally, the company noted.
“Candela exists to accelerate the shift to clean and efficient waterborne transport. With the P-12, we will show that our foiling electric ferries can add a vital new layer of mobility to Mumbai,” Hasselskog added.
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