Swedish electric boat maker Candela has signed an agreement to deliver ten of its P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries for operation in Thailand, marking the company’s largest deployment in Southeast Asia.
The deal, signed in Bangkok during the SX Sustainability Expo, pairs Candela with Seudamgo by Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd., which will operate the ferries on routes to Koh Kood, one of Thailand’s least developed islands. The agreement was witnessed by the Governor of Trat and representatives from the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok.
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The P-12 ferries will replace traditional gas-powered speedboats that currently serve the island, which have been criticized for noise, emissions, and environmental impact. The P-12 operates on computer-controlled hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water, significantly reducing drag and energy consumption. Candela says the design cuts energy use by up to 80% compared to conventional boats while eliminating exhaust fumes, underwater noise, and wake.
Each of the ten ferries will be the Business model, seating 20 passengers in an air-conditioned cabin with luggage space. The vessels feature dual Candela C-Pod drives rated at 110 kW continuous (160 kW peak) and a 378 kWh battery pack capable of fast charging at up to 300 kW. They can travel at 25 knots (29 mph or 46 km/h) and cover around 40 nautical miles per charge, allowing for round trips between the mainland and Koh Kood in about 40 minutes.
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Seudamgo CEO Surachai Suwanthanakul said the adoption of Candela’s electric technology represents “a milestone for Thai tourism.” He added, “Candela’s P-12 foil electric technology is a game-changer. It’s free from emissions, oil spills, and underwater noise—and at the same time, it offers passengers a superior experience. You can’t really get seasick on board a Candela.”
The P-12’s stability is controlled by Candela’s proprietary Flight control system, which adjusts the hydrofoils in real time to minimize motion and prevent seasickness—a feature previously used in Candela’s smaller leisure boats in Europe and the United States.
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Candela founder and CEO Gustav Hasselskog said the partnership allows Thailand to “leapfrog straight into sustainable water transport.” He added, “By replacing noisy, polluting speedboats with our electric flying ships, Seudamgo is protecting one of Thailand’s most beautiful destinations.”
Thailand has become an important market for Candela, which operates its largest office outside Sweden in Bangkok. Regional CEO Björn Antonsson said, “With its thousands of islands, big rivers, and vibrant tourism industry, Thailand can truly benefit from our technology. Partnering with Seudamgo to introduce the P-12 fleet is a fantastic beginning—we see enormous potential to expand clean, efficient hydrofoil transport across Thailand and the wider region.”
The Koh Kood deployment is expected to set a precedent for wider adoption of electric hydrofoil ferries across Southeast Asia, reflecting growing interest in sustainable tourism and clean maritime transport.
