Imagine a day when sailing the seas isn’t just a dreamy escape but a green reality! This uplifting story revolves around an electric ferry that beautifully showcases innovation and eco-friendliness by crossing from Spain to Africa and back in a single day. It symbolizes hope for our planet, proving that the future of travel can indeed be sustainable.

In a remarkable feat, the Candela C-8 ferry crossed the stunning strait from Sotogrande, Spain, to Ceuta, North Africa, covering 24 nautical miles in just over an hour. It’s not just about speed; this electric vessel also returned the same day, showcasing a harmonious blend of efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Recently highlighted in global news, the Candela P-12 electric ferry entered the public transport scene in Stockholm last year. The C-8 has now passed all its performance benchmarks with flying colors—achieving an impressive speed of 30 knots per hour, while boasting enough battery life to handle extensive journeys with minimum environmental impact.

“There’s an undeniable need for clean, swift transportation options across the Mediterranean,” shared Gustav Hasselskog, the CEO of Candela and the pilot for this historic journey. “We aim to connect underserved coastal communities while collaborating with existing ferry operators to enhance connectivity and reduce emissions.”

Equipped with a 67 kWh battery, the C-8 draws parallels with the Polestar SUV—an electric vehicle by Volvo. This design is especially beneficial for smaller coastal communities that often find themselves distanced from larger, diesel-powered ferry terminals.

DECARBONIZING SAILING: Japan recently saw the successful test of a pioneering zero-emissions hydrogen fuel-cell-powered ship, highlighting the wave of eco-friendly transitions in the maritime industry.

The vessel’s innovative design features hydrofoils, underwater wings that lift the C-8 above water, slashing drag and cutting energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional fast boats. This groundbreaking technology makes the transits across busy shipping lanes like the Strait of Gibraltar feasible and enjoyable.

This strait, where the chilly Atlantic waters collide with warmer Mediterranean currents, presents a unique challenge for smaller vessels, often making journeys uncomfortable. Thankfully, the Candela’s computer-controlled hydrofoil system expertly adapts to conditions. It intuitively responds to waves, wind, and currents, ensuring a smooth ride that feels almost like flying.

During this thrilling voyage, the Candela C-8 utilized just 40 kWh of electricity—about $10 in costs. In comparison, a similarly-sized gasoline-powered vessel would have consumed over 10 gallons, costing around $100, proving the immense savings of switching to electric.

WITNESS THE CROSSING: Don’t miss the chance to see the Candela in action. Catch the captivating journey on video!

SHARE THE EXCITEMENT: Spread the word about this innovative sailing design and inspire others on social media!