Mumbai: A group of 11 airborne electric ferries will soon provide transportation for commuters in the city, delivering quicker, greener options compared to road travel. The hydrofoiling Candela P-12 boats, commissioned by the Mumbai operator JalVimana, will lead the establishment of a rapid electric transportation system throughout the city’s waterways.
According to a recent report by Economic Times, it was revealed during the visit of India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to Stockholm, where Candela CEO Gustav Hasselskog and JalVimana CEO Niraj Thakur affirmed the acquisition. The Candela P-12, a Swedish creation, employs underwater wings to elevate the hull above the water, significantly decreasing drag, energy consumption, and emissions while providing a quiet, smooth experience.
Hasselskog emphasized that the project showcases Mumbai's waterways' full potential, revealing that electric ferries will enhance mobility in the city. This initiative aligns with Maharashtra's aim to modernize urban transport through eco-friendly maritime solutions.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane plan to introduce thousands of electric boats linking the coastline with public transport. The project includes routes from the Gateway of India to Alibaug, cutting travel time from nearly three hours to under 30 minutes, and connecting to Elephanta Island. A route to the new airport from central Mumbai is also underway. Thakur highlighted this as a notable step toward sustainability and a global leadership position in urban maritime transport for Mumbai.
The Candela P-12 uses computer-guided underwater wings to raise its hull above the water, slashing energy consumption, eliminating wake and slamming, running silently, safely, and at a fraction of the operating cost of conventional diesel vessels.
The sale to JalVimana will create what will be the largest single electric foiling ferry fleet in the world thus far and will play a pivotal role in establishing Mumbai as a global leader in sustainable urban water transport.
With e-foilers such as the P-12 often being called “flying ferries,” JalVimana is appropriately named. In ancient Indian texts, vimanas are variously described as the flying chariots of the gods or even flying palaces.
