In a world where clean energy often feels like a distant promise, a sleek, silent boat just made a bold statement by flying across the sea. Literally.
The Candela C-8 Polestar Edition, an all-electric hydrofoil boat, recently completed a round-trip voyage from Sotogrande, Spain, to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast. This 24-nautical-mile crossing—one of the busiest and most challenging maritime corridors—was accomplished in just over an hour each way. The kicker? It used only €8 worth of electricity per leg, slashing energy consumption by around 80% compared to traditional high-speed ferries, according to Candela.
Flying over the waves
What sets the Candela C-8 apart isn’t just its electric propulsion; it’s the way it moves. This is a hydrofoil, which means the hull lifts out of the water once it reaches speed, reducing drag dramatically. Its underwater wings, or foils, are guided by real-time software that adjusts up to 100 times per second, keeping the boat stable even in rough conditions like those found in the Strait of Gibraltar. It doesn’t just glide—it flies over the water.
That means better efficiency, higher speeds, and far less bounce. Traditional boats smash through waves, making for a choppy and sometimes unpleasant ride. But the C-8’s foil-borne cruising makes it as smooth as a train carriage, and that has real implications for ferry passengers prone to seasickness.
The craft itself is powered by a direct-drive electric motor developed by Candela and supported by technology from carmaker Polestar. With a top speed of around 30 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots, it offers real performance while staying almost eerily quiet.
Why this matters for clean transport
Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global carbon emissions, according to the International Maritime Organization, and smaller commercial boats—like ferries and water taxis—are often powered by older diesel engines that create disproportionate pollution. Candela’s electric hydrofoils could offer a real-world alternative for coastal transport, especially on shorter routes where range anxiety is less of a concern.
By using 80% less energy than conventional craft, the C-8 isn’t just environmentally friendly—it’s also economically practical. With energy costs rising and fuel becoming a volatile resource, using electricity—especially from renewable sources—makes long-term financial sense.
The electricity powering the Ceuta journey was supplied via Avangreen, the company that operates the region’s largest solar energy plant. In other words, the C-8 didn’t just avoid emissions—it was powered by sunshine.
Collaboration on the water
This test voyage wasn’t about publicity. It was about proof. Candela’s CEO Gustav Hasselskog piloted the boat himself, guiding the C-8 through shipping lanes, currents, and wind. In doing so, he wanted to demonstrate that an electric vessel could handle real-world conditions, not just calm test lakes.
In an interview following the trip, Hasselskog noted that the goal wasn’t to replace massive ferries outright, but to unlock completely new routes—particularly for communities that aren’t currently well-served. “This opens the door to sustainable marine mobility where previously it wasn’t practical,” he explained.
That’s a big deal, especially around the Mediterranean. Large ferry operators understandably stick to big ports and major city hubs. But a lightweight, low-cost option like the C-8 could allow more flexible schedules and reach into less-developed or overlooked coastal towns.
Could this reshape short-haul sea travel?
Short crossings—like those between the Greek islands, across Scandinavian fjords, or even around Britain’s coastal hubs—are where the C-8 and its larger sibling, the Candela P-12 ferry, could make the most difference. The P-12, which is already operating in Stockholm’s public transport system, carries up to 30 passengers and is projected to reduce operating costs by up to 90% compared to diesel vessels, according to Candela’s own data.
Imagine cutting the cost of a daily water commute while also cutting local air and noise pollution. That’s not just a green win—it’s a practical one. Noise pollution in ports and along riverways is a growing issue, and Candela’s boats produce only a faint whir when in motion. That alone makes them attractive for use in conservation areas or city harbours trying to clean up their image.
Scaling up: what’s next?
The Spain-Africa crossing proves that the technology is no longer theoretical. The next challenge is scale. Electric boats have historically struggled with battery weight and water resistance, but hydrofoils sidestep those issues. That said, infrastructure will be key.
Charging stations, route planning, maintenance crews—none of that is in place yet at scale, especially in countries without strong electric transport networks. But that could change quickly, especially in tourist-heavy regions where low-emission vessels could be marketed as part of a greener travel experience.
Candela has already announced plans to bring its boats to Berlin, Lake Tahoe, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project. The boats aren’t cheap—the P-12 costs around €1.7 million—but as cities and countries face tighter emissions standards, investments in cleaner transport are becoming politically and economically necessary.
A sign of what’s to come
At its core, the Candela C-8’s journey from Spain to Africa and back wasn’t just about a boat. It was about changing assumptions. That clean, efficient marine travel can be done. That it can be comfortable and cost-effective. And that innovation doesn’t always mean louder or faster—sometimes it means quieter, smarter, and more sustainable.
If policymakers and port authorities take notice—and if the tech can be scaled—the humble hydrofoil could become one of the most exciting transport stories of the decade. And it might all have started with one quiet €8 trip across the sea.