Electric hydrofoils from Stockholm will sail into Abu Dhabi waters
By Marek Grzybowski
Al Seer Marine, an Arab maritime operator based in Abu Dhabi, will revolutionize maritime transport in its city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. For this purpose, it will use a proven solution from the Swedish manufacturer, the Candela P-12 hydrofoil.
“We are excited to partner with Al Seer Marine to bring our revolutionary electric hydrofoils to Abu Dhabi,” said Erik Eklund, director of commercial vessels at Candela. – Al Seer Marine’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development of water transport fits perfectly into our vision of a greener future.
“At Al Seer Marine, we are constantly looking for ways to improve sustainable solutions in the maritime sector,” said Holger Schulte-Hillen, Chief Operating Officer for Innovation, Safety and Technology at Al Seer Marine. “The partnership with Candela is a significant step forward and we are excited to bring this revolutionary technology to Abu Dhabi.
Arabian maritime innovator
Al Seer Marine is a leading maritime operator in the Arab world, offering diverse services from building and renting luxury yachts to ship management, mainly oil and LNG tankers and bulk carriers. The company also operates effectively in the renovation services sector.
Al Seer Marine has established one of the world’s leading service centers for the maritime transport industry. It also has a research and development center where work is carried out on the development of unmanned maritime systems.
– Our innovative, modular USV systems are not tied to any existing platform. This therefore provides the flexibility to adapt to any easily available platforms or become part of existing operating systems, emphasizes the management of Al Seer Marine. The company is committed to supporting maritime defense readiness and aims to “become the regional knowledge center for maritime platform manufacturing, systems development and unmanned systems support services in the GCC.”
Al Seer Marine has chosen the Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil to electrify Abu Dhabi’s water transport. The unit can carry up to 30 passengers. Candela’s solution meets all the expectations set for fast, ecological vessels for transporting passengers in closed waters.
Electric ship on wings
At sufficiently high speed, underwater “wings” lift the ship above the water, reducing energy consumption by 80%. As a result, Candela P-12 is the first battery-powered ferry to achieve significant cruising range at high speeds. It combines luxury and quiet operation of the drive, as well as, importantly, minimal impact on the environment.
An important advantage is that the ship does not generate a wake when sailing fast. For public transport operators, the efficiency of hydrofoils from stored energy provides significant savings. We wrote about the Candela-12 technology here.
Al Seer Marine, as a company at the forefront of innovation and sustainable development in maritime transport, saw the innovative potential in the solution offered by Candela technology.
Using this technology, the two companies intend to transform water public transport in Abu Dhabi by introducing Candela electric hydrofoils on a large scale for use in public transport. Al Seer Marine emphasizes that this will “provide a unique and sustainable transportation option.”
The Arab operator approaches the issue comprehensively and focuses on “establishing a solid sales and service network in Abu Dhabi to ensure smooth operation and customer service. This network will also provide comprehensive service, maintenance and after-sales support for Candela public transport vessels in the Emirate.”
With a hydrofoil from Stockholm to Abu Dhabi
Al Seer Marine management said that “this partnership paves the way for a greener future in Abu Dhabi. By introducing electric hydrofoil technology, Candela and Al Seer Marine are supporting the transition to cleaner and more sustainable public transport in the Emirate.”
For now, Candela is working well in Stockholm. The first flight of the P-12 demonstrator named Zero was successful. The hydrofoil had a take-off speed of 16 knots and quickly reached its designed top speed of 30 knots in 16 seconds.
“This triumphant flight led by Gustav Hasselskog himself [CEO Candela – MG] marks the beginning of a new, sustainable era in water transport,” said Candela after the first cruise in the waters near Stockholm.
Candela emphasizes that the structure is distinguished by the fact that it is an “innovation created from scratch.” The unit has three carbon fiber wings. They are located under the hull and reduce energy consumption by 80% compared to fast boats using planing technology.
After lifting onto the wings, the P-12 digital flight control system adjusts the wing angles of attack based on sensors. “This ensures a smoother voyage without the discomfort of seasickness-inducing movements common on ordinary ships,” the designer emphasizes.
The company started serial production of the P-12 at the factory in Stockholm two years ago. The second P-12 hydrofoil will enter Stockholm’s public transport waters in 2024. It will carry passengers between the outskirts of Ekerö island and the city center.
It will be an electric ship for 30 passengers, characterized by minimal wake and side wave generation. The hydrofoil will shorten the commute time to the city center from 55 to just 25 minutes. It will be faster than metro lines and buses. It will eliminate some car journeys during rush hours.
Abu Dhabi liked this solution and in 2025 it will be possible to travel by hydrofoil in the waters of the capital of the United Arab Emirates.