Neom, the ambitious and often controversial mega-project in northwest Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea coast, has ordered eight electric shuttle ships from Swedish company Candela, according to a statement provided.
These vessels will serve as a key mode of transportation within Neom’s waterways.
As part of Neom’s innovative approach, “The Line” stands out—a linear city encased in mirrored skyscrapers, designed to run entirely on renewable energy. Although developers aim to complete the first phase by 2030, reports suggest potential delays.
Neom’s new electric shuttles, the Candela P-12, are described as the world’s first high-speed, long-range electric shuttle ships. These vessels will ferry passengers across the Red Sea and Neom’s internal waterways. Gustav Hasselskog, Candela’s CEO and founder, emphasized the P-12’s impact on sustainable water transport, highlighting its zero-emission design and efficiency over traditional ferries. Unlike conventional, slow-moving, and energy-intensive ferries, the Candela P-12 is smaller, faster, and allows for more frequent departures and quicker journeys.
The Candela P-12 is also the first electric hydrofoil ship. Hydrofoils, or underwater fins, lift the vessel out of the water, creating the illusion that it hovers above the surface. Guided by advanced computer systems, these hydrofoils enable the ship to use 80% less energy than traditional vessels.
A study from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm found that electric hydrofoil ferries like the P-12 emit 97.5% less carbon dioxide over their life cycle compared to diesel-powered ships.
The Candela P-12 measures nearly 40 feet in length and can accommodate 30 passengers plus one crew member. It can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. Launched last year, the P-12 is set to debut in Stockholm’s public transportation system this fall, with deliveries to Neom scheduled for 2025 and early 2026.
Saudi Arabia has made the largest order in the history of Swedish company Candela, purchasing 8 state-of-the-art P-12 electric vessels as part of the visionary NEOM project. This strategic move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing sustainable transportation and… pic.twitter.com/AcfmhLvNf8
— أوكسجين (@MajedTop) August 22, 2024
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