Neom, the urban city development project being built by Saudi Arabia, has ordered an initial batch of eight electric hydrofoil ships from Candela to service their planned sustainable water network.
The $500 billion tourism development project ordered the flying electric ships, named Candela P-12, to reduce energy consumption in their waterways. The ships reportedly use 80% less energy than conventional ships.
Candela is an automaker of electric boats and ferries that combine long range with high speed using hydrofoil technology to build zero-emission vessels.
The ships launched last year and are set to debut in Stockholm’s public transport during autumn 2024.
The Candela P-12 flies above the waves on computer-guided underwater wings when it reaches a take-off speed of 18 knots and can reach up to 25 knots.
Back in November, Neom also invested in Pony.ai to develop, manufacture and deliver autonomous driving services, advanced vehicles, and smart vehicle infrastructure in Neom and key markets in MENA.
