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NEOM to have flying electric ships. NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious futuristic city, is set to enhance its transportation network with a fleet of electric hydrofoil ships that glide above the water. These vessels will transport passengers across the city, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility in the region.
NEOM to have flying electric ships – The Order and Its Significance
NEOM has placed an order for eight Candela P-12 vessels, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ships. This order is the largest in Candela’s history. Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela, highlighted the significance of this development: “The P-12 is designed to create zero-emission water transport systems, offering significant improvements over traditional water commuting.”
Key Features of Candela P-12
- Energy Efficiency: The Candela P-12 consumes 80% less energy than conventional ships of a similar size. This efficiency is achieved through computer-guided hydrofoils, or underwater wings, that allow the vessel to glide smoothly above the water.
- Speed and Range: With a top speed of 25 knots and over two hours of endurance, the P-12 is currently the fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship. This combination of speed and efficiency is expected to reduce commute times within NEOM’s innovative urban layout.
- Environmental Impact: A life cycle analysis conducted by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm found that a P-12 vessel would emit 97.5% less CO2 during its lifetime compared to a conventional diesel vessel of the same size. This aligns perfectly with NEOM’s vision of sustainable urban development.
Passenger Comfort and Environmental Benefits
The hydrofoil technology not only enhances energy efficiency but also improves passenger comfort. The P-12’s digital flight control system adjusts the hydrofoils’ angle of attack 100 times per second, keeping the vessel stable even in challenging conditions like winds and waves. Additionally, the electric Candela C-POD motors, located in underwater pods, operate quietly, minimizing noise and disturbance to marine wildlife.
Another key advantage of these vessels is the negligible wake they create. This allows for quicker journeys in areas where conventional ships are restricted due to their disruptive wakes.
Delivery Timeline and Future Impact
The first batch of eight vessels is scheduled for delivery between 2025 and early 2026. Hasselskog expressed pride in providing a vessel system designed with both passengers and the environment in mind: “Short waiting times, quick connections, and a very enjoyable experience without taxing the environment with wakes, emissions, and noise will revolutionize how we travel on water.”
NEOM’s Broader Vision
Earlier this year, Al Arabiya English reported on NEOM’s progress, revealing that over 140,000 construction workers are currently developing key regions across the mega-site. A progress film released in May showcased real-world footage of large-scale construction, indicating that the workforce has doubled over the past year.
Key regions of NEOM, including THE LINE, Oxagon, Sindalah, and Trojena, are rapidly developing. Innovative transportation solutions, such as autonomous cars and these new electric hydrofoil ships, are integral to NEOM’s vision of a sustainable and futuristic city.
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