The crossing between Spain and North Africa has just written a new chapter thanks to Candela’s naval technology. This week, the Candela C-8 Polestar Edition model became the world’s first electric boat to make an intercontinental crossing, crossing the 24 nautical miles of the Strait of Gibraltar in just over an hour.
A technical achievement of the hydrofoil-powered electric boat
Behind the achievement is a system of computer-controlled electric hydrofoils computer-controlled hydrofoils, capable of adjusting their position up to 100 times per second to minimize friction with the water. This, in addition to allowing a more stable navigation, reduces energy consumption by 80% compared to conventional fast boats.
The crossing was piloted by Candela’s own CEO, Gustav Hasselskog, who stated that “the experience was so smooth that we didn’t feel the swell while the support vessel was constantly rocking.” This stability is crucial for future passenger routes, especially in complex sea conditions such as those in the Strait.
The entire tripcost just €8 in electricity, compared to the €90 in fuel that a similar gasoline-powered boat would have required. This economic difference reinforces the potential of the future Candela’s future P-12 ferry 30-passenger Candela P-12 ferry, which aims to connect coastal communities with fast, low-impact and low environmental impact.
Institutional support and vision for the future
The arrival of the C-8 to Ceuta was welcomed by the local president, Juan Jesús Vivas, who valued the positive impact of this type of innovation on regional connectivity. The project is also supported by Avangreen, an energy company involved in the electrification of Ceuta and other sustainable developments.
These technologies are viable and necessary to transform maritime transport, opening the way to new eco-friendly routes along the Mediterranean.
Gustav Hasselskog remarked.
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Source and photo: Candela
