Swedish technology company Candela has joined Ocean Autonomy Cluster, bringing cutting-edge expertise in zero-emission, high-efficiency maritime transport.

Candela is widely recognized as a global leader in electric hydrofoiling vessels. By lifting the hull above water with hydrofoils, the company’s vessels cut energy use dramatically while combining long range, high speed, and low operating cost.

A key platform is the Candela P-12, an electric ferry built for fast, emission-free commuter routes, combining hydrofoils, lightweight composites, advanced software, and proprietary propulsion systems.

Pioneering electric hydrofoils

Candela has more than 50 engineers who have developed the full technology stack in-house, covering electric propulsion, control software, hydrofoil design, and onboard electronics. The company’s vessels are setting new standards for sustainable maritime transport.

Mikael Mahlberg, Head of Communications and Alexander Sifvert, European Sales Director at Candela. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Showcasing innovation on Frostabåten

The P-12 has been used in the Frostabåten project in Trondheim to show how electric hydrofoiling ferries can make commuting across fjords cleaner and more efficient. The project involved regional partners and research institutions, including NTNU and SINTEF.

Connecting and collaborating

Through Ocean Autonomy Cluster, Candela plans to join events, professional forums, and collaborative projects, while exploring new business and partnership opportunities.

“We look forward to participating in cluster events, collaborative projects, and professional forums, and to connecting with new customers and partners through the cluster,” says Mikael Mahlberg, Head of Communications at Candela.

Frostabåten testsailing Candela P-12 in Trondheim. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Sharing expertise

Candela contributes advanced knowledge in electric propulsion, hydrofoils, software-controlled vessels, and marine electronics. Its P-12 and C-8 platforms can be co-developed with stakeholders for multiple applications, from passenger transport to autonomous maritime operations.

Joining OAC gives Candela a platform to both share its expertise and benefit from Norway’s leading innovation ecosystem for electrification, autonomy, and next-generation maritime systems.