Swedish electric boat maker Candela has secured an order from Indian transport operator JalVimana for 11 P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries, marking the company’s entry into the Indian market. The move is part of an effort to ease Mumbai’s severe traffic congestion by tapping into the city’s underutilized waterways.
Each Candela P-12 ferry can accommodate up to 30 passengers and will initially serve two key routes: one between the Gateway of India and Alibaug, and another connecting central Mumbai to the city’s upcoming airport. The new ferries are expected to significantly cut travel times — reducing the road trip to Alibaug from 2–3 hours to under an hour, and the airport commute from 90 minutes to less than 30.
“This is a groundbreaking project that unlocks the full potential of Mumbai’s waterways for efficient commuting,” said Candela CEO and founder Gustav Hasselskog. “By investing in hydrofoil technology, the city is leapfrogging legacy waterborne transport systems.”
The Candela P-12 uses hydrofoils to lift the hull one meter above the water, cruising at speeds of 25 knots (46 km/h). This dramatically reduces energy use — by up to 80%, according to the company — by minimizing water resistance, and extends the range per battery charge.
JalVimana CEO Niraj Thakur indicated that the 11-boat order is just the beginning, with plans for fleet expansion underway. The project positions Mumbai alongside other cities such as Stockholm, Neom, and Lake Tahoe where Candela’s ferries already operate, offering a low-emission, high-speed alternative to conventional road and water transport.