Norway Orders 20 Flying Electric Ferries for 2025

Imagine gliding above the waves in complete silence, covering your daily commute without a drop of fuel. That's about to become reality for thousands of Norwegians along the country's stunning fjord coast.

Boreal AS, a Norwegian transport leader, just ordered 20 electric hydrofoil vessels from Swedish company Candela Technology. The first deliveries arrive next year, creating the world's largest electric ferry fleet.

These aren't your typical boats. The Candela P-12 uses computer-controlled wings mounted beneath the hull that lift the entire vessel above the water at speeds over 18 knots. By flying above the waves instead of pushing through them, the ferries use 80% less energy than conventional boats.

The performance numbers solve a problem that's stumped the maritime industry for years. Electric ferries have struggled to match diesel boats on Norway's 62,000 miles of coastline because they lacked both speed and range. The P-12 cruises at 25 knots and travels 40 nautical miles on a single charge, making it viable for routes that previously required fossil fuels.

Even better, the boats recharge in just one hour using standard DC car chargers. No expensive megawatt charging infrastructure needed. Candela recently proved the concept by completing the longest electric sea journey to date between Sweden and Norway, recharging along the route using a mobile battery pack transported by an electric pickup truck.

Passengers get major comfort upgrades too. The digital flight controller reads wave conditions with sensors and adjusts the hydrofoils in real time, creating a smooth ride even in rough seas. Recent tests in Stockholm measured cabin noise at just 64 decibels, quieter than modern trains or planes.

The Ripple Effect

The silent operation protects Norway's unique fjord ecosystems from the wake damage and emissions that plague conventional ferries. Tests showed the P-12 creates wakes of just 5 inches, comparable to a small dinghy. Marine life and coastal communities both benefit from the dramatic reduction in noise and water disturbance.

CEO Nikolai Knudsmoen Utheim sees this as Norway's next leap forward after already leading maritime electrification. The fast, efficient boats will enable new high-speed routes in both cities and rural areas, connecting communities that depend on water transport for daily life.

With 99% of new car sales in Norway already fully electric, electrifying the ferry network completes the country's clean transport vision.