The world’s first electric flying ferry is poised to be put into service, with striking images showing the futuristic-looking craft in action.
New Zealand’s most beautiful lake is about to get a high-tech upgrade, with Meridian Energy set to bring the world’s first electric hydrofoiling ferry to Lake Manapouri – Candela P-12.
The Swedish-built Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry will provide daily transport for the staff and contractors servicing New Zealand’s largest hydropower station, Manapouri Power Station on the shores of Lake Manapouri.
The vessel will save 240 tons of carbon emissions each year – equivalent to taking 52 petrol cars off the road.
Tania Palmer, General Manager of Generation at Meridian Energy, which owns the power station, says the introduction of the hydrofoil is part of a push to reduce emissions from internal transport, contributing to Meridian’s goal of halving its emissions by 2030.
She said: “We have to be bold and innovative to reduce emissions. This deal is the result of a global search to identify the latest and best technology for our needs, and one that’s suitable for such an incredible natural environment.
“The Candela P-12 is an exciting replacement for the diesel ferry we currently use to transport people across the lake to the power station.
“It’ll drastically reduce emissions and, at the same time, give our team what’s arguably the best and most spectacular commute in the world.”
Meridian has signed a deal with Swedish company Candela to provide the P-12 and will be the first customer outside Europe to take delivery of the electric shuttle ferry, described as a game changer for waterborne transport.
Flying on computer-guided hydrofoils, the craft’s hull rises above the water at high speed, reducing energy consumption by 80 percent compared to traditional vessels, and allowing for long-range and high-speed travel using battery power only.
Featuring the highest top speed and longest range of any electric ferry, it also provides many environmental benefits.
At a cruise speed of 25 knots, the wake behind the vessel is less than 15cm high, which will minimise disruption to the shoreline of Lake Manapouri – part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area and home to many indigenous species, including longfin eel.
As the ferry flies over Lake Manapuuri, voted the country’s most beautiful lake, its passengers need not worry about getting seasick; the P-12 is stabilised in real-time by a computer system – a flight controller which guards against motion-sickness inducing pitching and slamming found in other ships.
The Flight controller uses sensors to measure the wave height in front of the vessel, and then adjusts the hydrofoils’ angle of attack 100 times per second to provide a smooth ride over them.
Gustav Hasselskog, Candela CEO, said: “We’re excited to partner with a global leader in the transition to sustainable energy and global decarbonisation and thrilled to soon see our P-12 in action on Lake Manapouri.
“We thank Meridian for leading the charge towards a cleaner, greener future.”
The Candela P-12 is expected to begin operating on Lake Manapouri next year.
