Ten Swedish-built Candela P-12s to help the Maldives
In 2026, a fleet of ten Swedish-built Candela P-12 boats will begin to help the Maldives tackle a major problem: pollution and emissions from the many twin-engine motorboats that power the tourism industry. These motorboats are one of the country's largest sources of CO₂ emissions. Even more seriously, the large swells they create erode coral, while the engine noise disrupts the delicate reef ecosystems and prevents fish from reproducing.
In an article in Forbes, Bill Springer describes how Swedish boat manufacturer Candela and their electric hydrofoil P-12 could revolutionize maritime transport in the Maldives - both from an environmental perspective and for the comfort of tourists.
Named one of TIME Magazine's Most Important Inventions of 2025, the Candela P-12 uses computer-controlled hydrofoils to lift the hull above the water surface, reducing energy consumption by up to 80% compared to gasoline-powered boats and cutting lifecycle emissions by 97.5% compared to diesel vessels.
From 2026, a dozen P-12 vessels will be put into service in the Maldives by the company Ego Shuttle, which also plans to expand the fleet to a total of 20 vessels. This will be the largest fleet of electric hydrofoils in the world.
It aims to replace the traditional high-speed boats currently used in the tourism industry, which cause CO₂ emissions, noise and waves that damage coral reefs. The new technology eliminates wave formation and noise, protecting the sensitive marine ecosystems.
For tourists, the P-12 offers a quiet, stable and comfortable journey without seasickness, thanks to a computerized "Flight Controller" system that adjusts the boat's balance in real time - similar to aircraft systems. On board, it also offers Wi-Fi, entertainment and high availability.
Ego Shuttle also plans to create a local service and training center to generate green jobs and contribute to the Maldives' goal of net zero emissions by 2030.
Candela and Ego Shuttle see the collaboration as a groundbreaking step for sustainable maritime transportation, and according to Springer, this could be just the beginning of a global transition towards electric-powered, hydrofoil passenger ferries.
📚 So urce: Bill Springer, "Can This High-Tech, Electric-Powered, Hydrofoiling Boat Save The Maldives...And Seasick Tourists Too?", Forbes, published November 6, 2025.
Read the full article on Forbes: Can This High-Tech, Electric-Powered, Hydrofoiling Boat Save The Maldives...And Seasick Tourists Too?
