Last winter, Candela P-12 demonstrated its electric hydrofoil technology on the Trondheimsfjord as part of the Frostabåten project. Now Ocean Autonomy Cluster member Boreal is preparing to introduce 22 of the vessels in Norway and has started recruiting the captains who will operate them.
Both Candela and Boreal are members of Ocean Autonomy Cluster, and the development marks a significant step from testing new maritime technology towards putting it into regular operation in Norway.
Boreal currently has four Candela P-12 vessels in production and contracts for another 18. The first vessels are scheduled to enter service in 2027, although Boreal has not yet decided where they will operate. The company is considering opportunities in public transport, urban connections, tourism and commercial passenger transport.
Candela P-12 is an electric passenger vessel that uses computer-controlled hydrofoils to lift the hull above the water. This dramatically reduces drag, allowing the vessel to travel at high speed while using significantly less energy than conventional high-speed passenger vessels. It also reduces noise and wake.
Boreal is now recruiting its first captains for the new fleet. Those selected will receive dedicated training on the Candela vessels, with parts of the programme planned to take place in Stockholm. They will also be involved in preparing procedures and safety management systems before the vessels enter Norwegian service.
Jarle Magne Myrbø, regional manager at Boreal Sjø, has tested the P-12 several times at Candela’s facilities in Stockholm.
“It is a new way of operating a high-speed passenger vessel, but maritime experience is still the foundation. The vessel responds precisely and is easier to manoeuvre than I expected. Once it rises onto the hydrofoils, what really stands out is how quiet and stable it is on board,” says Myrbø.
The P-12 is controlled using a joystick and throttle, while the hydrofoil system automatically lifts the vessel above the surface and continuously adjusts its movements. This allows the captain to concentrate on navigation, lookout and the surrounding traffic.
“The technology does much of the work of keeping the vessel stable, but it does not change the responsibility of the captain. We are looking for experienced seafarers with a strong focus on safety, who are curious about new technology and want to help develop good operating procedures from the start,” says Myrbø.
Last winter, the Candela P-12 was tested on the Trondheimsfjord in connection with Frostabåten. The initiative explored how new technology could enable faster and more energy-efficient passenger transport on the fjord.
With Boreal now preparing a fleet of 22 P-12 vessels, the technology is moving from testing and demonstration towards larger-scale commercial deployment in Norway.
The first Boreal vessels will accommodate up to 25 passengers in addition to one captain. For the seafarers recruited now, the job will also offer an opportunity to build operational experience with a vessel type that is still new to Norwegian waters.
“The Candela vessels give us new opportunities to develop emission-free maritime transport. Their size and low energy demand can make it possible to establish new connections and make better use of waterways, both in urban areas and smaller coastal communities,” says Boreal CEO Nikolai Utheim.
Candela P-12 has been operating in Stockholm’s public transport system since 2024. Candela is also preparing deliveries to other international markets before the first vessels for Boreal arrive in Norway in 2027.
For Boreal, bringing the technology into regular service will depend not only on the vessels themselves, but also on building maritime competence around a new type of passenger craft.
“We have extensive experience introducing new technology into regular operations. To succeed, we need skilled seafarers who combine maritime experience with an interest in new technology. The first captains will play an important role in preparing the vessels for operation and developing new services,” says Utheim.