The Indian city of Mumbai is deploying a fleet of 11 hydrofoiling Candela P-12 commuter electric ferries, which will create new links across its waterways. The fleet will form the nucleus of the city’s electric transport network, which is set to eventually include thousands of vessels. The ferries have been ordered by Mumbai-based operator JalVimana.
Bustling Metropolis
The government of Maharashtra state has laid out a bold vision to revolutionise transport in the Indian megacity by turning to the water. With more than 23 million residents and overstretched roads, the state’s ports minister Nitesh Rane and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis have recently announced that thousands of electric ferries will transform Mumbai’s waterways into high-speed arteries for clean, efficient transport.
Swedish marine tech company Candela has been selected to conduct a pilot project. JalVimana has purchased and will operate an initial fleet of 11 P-12 vessels with plans to grow significantly bigger. The Candela P-12 uses computer-guided underwater wings to raise its hull above the water, reducing energy consumption, eliminating wake and slamming, running silently, and at a fraction of the operating cost of conventional diesel vessels, claims the company.
The sale reportedly represents the largest single electric fleet in the world so far and will play a pivotal role in establishing Mumbai as a global leader in sustainable urban water transport. Another line is being planned by JalVimana to connect the new airport with central Mumbai, with expected travel times reduced from one hour and 30 minutes to less than 30 minutes.
“We believe Candela’s next-generation P-12 will be a giant leap for Mumbai and towards our national goals of a susainable future for our vast Indian coastline and inland waterways. JalVimana is honoured to bring this Swedish gift to our ancient shores,” said JalVimana’s CEO, Niraj Thakur.
Swedish Marvels
Following its debut in Stockholm in late 2024, the P-12 has proven that electric ferries can be a transformative part of urban mobility. “Candela exists to accelerate the shift to clean and efficient waterborne transport,” said Gustav Hasselskog, Candela’s CEO and founder. “We’re honoured to support Maharashtra’s bold vision and delighted that JalVimana has chosen P-12 to lead the transformation. With the P-12, we will show that our foiling electric ferries can add a vital new layer of mobility to Mumbai.”
“This is a groundbreaking project that unlocks the full potential of Mumbai’s waterways for efficient commuting – and by investing in hydrofoil technology, the city is leapfrogging legacy waterborne transport systems.”
