Swedish electric boatmaker Candela has signed a landmark agreement with Thailand’s Seudamgo by Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd. for the delivery of ten Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries, set to operate between the Thai mainland and Koh Kood, one of the country’s most pristine islands. The announcement was made in Bangkok during the SX Sustainability Expo, Southeast Asia’s largest sustainability-focused event.
The partnership marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s transition toward sustainable marine transport, replacing traditional gasoline-powered speedboats that have long been the only means of accessing the island. Koh Kood, located in Trat province, has been intentionally shielded from overdevelopment, but conventional boats have contributed to shoreline erosion, underwater noise, and marine pollution.
The Candela P-12 is the world’s fastest and longest-range electric ferry. Using underwater hydrofoils to lift the hull above water, the vessel reduces drag and energy use by up to 80% compared to conventional ferries, while producing zero emissions and minimal wake. Each 11.99-meter ferry carries 20 passengers and operates at a service speed of 25 knots with a range of up to 40 nautical miles.
Equipped with Candela’s digital flight control system, the ferries automatically adjust their hydrofoil angles in real time to maintain stability, ensuring a smooth, sea-sickness-free experience. With charging speeds up to 300 kW, they can recharge rapidly—potentially drawing power directly from solar arrays, enabling fully renewable operations.
“Candela’s P-12 foil electric technology is a game-changer. It represents a truly sustainable vessel—free from emissions, oil spills, and underwater noise,” said Surachai Suwanthanakul, CEO of Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd., in the October 2025 announcement. “We are proud to be the first to bring this unique technology to Thailand and Southeast Asia.”
Candela founder and CEO Gustav Hasselskog added, “This agreement demonstrates how Thailand can leapfrog directly to sustainable waterborne transport. By replacing noisy, polluting speedboats with our electric flying ships, Seudamgo is protecting one of Thailand’s most beautiful destinations.”
Each ferry, part of Candela’s Business Edition, features air-conditioned cabins, premium seating, and ample luggage space—designed for passenger comfort on the 20-nautical-mile route between Trat and Koh Kood, completed in just 40 minutes.
Founded in Stockholm in 2014, Candela has emerged as one of Europe’s leading electric marine innovators. Its hydrofoil technology—first applied to leisure boats—was later scaled to public transport with the P-12 Shuttle, which debuted in Stockholm’s waterways in 2023. That project became the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry line, cutting energy use by 80% and travel time by 50%.
Thailand now hosts Candela’s largest office outside Sweden, reflecting the company’s growing investment in Asia’s maritime transport market. The nation’s network of over 1,500 islands and extensive inland waterways presents a significant opportunity for expanding low-emission mobility.
“Thailand is one of the most exciting markets for sustainable water transport,” said Björn Antonsson, Candela’s Regional CEO for Asia-Pacific. “With its thousands of islands, big rivers, and vibrant tourism industry, the country can truly benefit from our technology.”
Candela’s Thailand deal follows several high-profile partnerships aimed at transforming maritime transport. Earlier this year, the company signed a memorandum with the European Commission’s Clean Hydrogen Partnership to explore hydrogen-electric integration for future ferries. It also partnered with Polestar to develop advanced battery systems, leveraging synergies with the EV industry to extend marine range and efficiency.
As tourism rebounds across Southeast Asia, such innovations are becoming central to sustainability strategies. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), small passenger vessels account for nearly 15% of maritime CO₂ emissions in coastal regions. Electrification, combined with efficient hydrofoil design, could eliminate most of these emissions while preserving fragile ecosystems.
