Norway Orders 20 Electric 'Flying' Ferries for Commuters

Imagine your morning commute feeling more like flying than sailing across the water.

Norwegian transport company Boreal AS just ordered 20 electric hydrofoil ferries that will do exactly that. The Candela P-12 boats use wings underwater to lift the hull above the waves, creating a smooth gliding sensation that passengers describe as magical.

These aren't just pretty to look at. The hydrofoil design makes the ferries incredibly energy efficient because lifting above the water dramatically reduces drag. That means longer battery range and faster speeds without burning a drop of fuel.

Sweden-based Candela built the vessels specifically for Norway's stunning fjord coastlines. The boats produce zero emissions while zipping commuters between coastal towns at high speeds. For a country already leading the world in electric vehicle adoption, this feels like the natural next step.

Norway's coastal geography has always made ferries essential for daily life. Thousands of people depend on boat routes to get to work, school, and home. Until now, those trips meant diesel engines and carbon emissions.

The Ripple Effect

This order represents one of the biggest investments in electric maritime transport anywhere in the world. Twenty ferries serving multiple routes will give thousands of Norwegians access to clean, quiet commutes while proving the technology works at commercial scale.

Other coastal nations are watching closely. If Norway can make electric hydrofoil ferries work for everyday transport, the same technology could spread to ferry systems worldwide. Cities from Stockholm to Seattle could follow suit.

The environmental impact adds up quickly too. Each diesel ferry replaced means tons of emissions eliminated every single year. Multiply that across 20 vessels over decades of service, and the carbon savings become substantial.

For the passengers themselves, the benefits go beyond climate action. Hydrofoil ferries run quieter than traditional boats, creating a more peaceful ride. The smooth gliding motion also reduces seasickness, making the journey more comfortable for everyone aboard.

Norway has spent years building the charging infrastructure and renewable energy capacity to support ambitious projects like this. Those investments are now paying off in cleaner air, quieter waters, and a transport system ready for the future.

The first ferries will start carrying passengers soon, turning Norway's breathtaking fjords into testing grounds for the next generation of maritime transport.