Swedish electric boat maker Candela has just secured a major deal in Southeast Asia: ten of its P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries will soon operate the route to Koh Kood, one of Thailand’s most pristine and least developed islands.
The agreement, signed in Bangkok during the SX Sustainability Expo, pairs Candela with Thai operator Seudamgo by Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd. It marks a significant shift for Koh Kood, where access has long relied on noisy, gas-powered speedboats that pump out emissions, churn up damaging wakes, and clash with the quiet, natural character of the island. Local officials and Swedish representatives, including the Governor of Trat and the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok, were on hand to witness the deal.
Candela’s P-12 ferries promise to transform that experience. Unlike traditional hulls that plow through waves, the P-12 rides above the surface on computer-controlled hydrofoils. The result is a ride that’s not only whisper-quiet but also dramatically more efficient – using up to 80% less energy than a conventional speedboat. With no exhaust fumes, no underwater noise, and virtually no wake, the P-12 is designed to leave the island’s marine environment undisturbed.
Each of the ten ferries headed to Thailand will be the Business model, offering seating for 20 passengers in an air-conditioned cabin with plenty of luggage space. At a service speed of 25 knots (around 29 mph or 46 km/h), they’ll cover the 20-nautical-mile mainland-to-island route in just 40 minutes. The vessels are powered by dual Candela C-Pod drives rated at 110 kW continuous (160 kW peak), fed by a 378 kWh battery pack that can fast-charge at up to 300 kW. Real-world range comes in at about 40 nautical miles at cruising speed – more than enough to comfortably cover the daily runs. And with that fast charging, a feature that has helped Candela set maritime records, the ferries can easily top up their batteries while loading and unloading passengers.
Seudamgo’s CEO Surachai Suwanthanakul called the deal a milestone for Thai tourism. “Candela’s P-12 foil electric technology is a game-changer,” he said. “It’s free from emissions, oil spills, and underwater noise—and at the same time, it offers passengers a superior experience. You can’t really get seasick on board a Candela.”
For passengers, that seasickness-free ride is thanks to Candela’s digital Flight control system, a computer that constantly adjusts the hydrofoils in real time to eliminate slamming and pitching. It’s the same tech that’s made Candela’s smaller leisure boats popular with private owners in Europe and the U.S., now scaled up for public transit.
And as someone who has spent some time at the helm of multiple Candela leisure boats and also suffers from seasickness, this journalist can confirm that the smooth ride really is calming for the stomach.
Candela’s founder and CEO Gustav Hasselskog framed the partnership as a chance for Thailand to leapfrog straight into sustainable water transport. “By replacing noisy, polluting speedboats with our electric flying ships, Seudamgo is protecting one of Thailand’s most beautiful destinations,” he said.
Thailand is already a major market for Candela. The company operates its largest office outside Sweden in Bangkok and sees huge potential in a country with more than 1,500 islands and extensive waterborne transport. Regional CEO Björn Antonsson emphasized that point: “With its thousands of islands, big rivers and vibrant tourism industry, Thailand can truly benefit from our technology. Partnering with Seudamgo to introduce the P-12 fleet is a fantastic beginning—we see enormous potential to expand clean, efficient hydrofoil transport across Thailand and the wider region.”
For Koh Kood, the arrival of Candela’s P-12 ferries could mean a future where visitors still enjoy easy access, but without the pollution and disruption that have plagued other tourist islands. And for the wider region, it’s a sign that electric flying ferries may finally be moving from niche novelty to mainstream solution.
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