By
Alex Smith |
Mumbai-based ferry operator JalVimana has purchased a fleet of 11 P-12 flying electric vessels from Swedish marine technology company Candela to help tackle congestion in the Indian city.
The sale represents the largest single electric vessel fleet in the world and was announced onboard one of Candela’s vessels in Stockholm during an official visit by Piyush Goyal, India’s minister of commerce. The announcement comes following an initiative by the government of the Indian state of Maharashtra to increase the use of electric ferries in Mumbai.
“We believe Candela's next-generation P-12 will be a giant leap for Mumbai and towards our national goals of a sustainable future for our vast Indian coastline and inland waterways,” said Niraj Thakur, CEO of JalVimana. “JalVimana is honoured to bring this Swedish gift to our ancient shores.”
The first vessels to be delivered to JalVimana will serve two of Mumbai’s most heavily trafficked routes on water: from the Gateway of India and Alibaug and from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. Another line is being planned by JalVimana to connect the city’s new airport with central Mumbai, with expected travel times reduced from one hour and 30 minutes to less than 30 minutes.
The Candela P-12 uses computer guided underwater wings to raise its hull above the water, eliminating wake and slamming to reduce energy consumption and run silently. The vessel was first introduced in Stockholm in late 2024, when it completed the 15 kilometre journey from the suburb of Tappström to Stocholm’s city hall in just over 30 minutes, half the previous time required.
“Candela exists to accelerate the shift to clean and efficient waterborne transport,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela. “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.”