Always on the edge of what’s new and cool, the city of Berlin is augmenting its already-efficient public transportation network with the addition of an electric flying ferry. This innovation comes from Swedish ship manufacturer Candela Technology AB. City boat shuttle operator Funkhaus/Reederei Riedel purchased the Candela P-12 Shuttle Ferry, an electric hydrofoil catamaran. Service on the Spree River begins with hourly routes linking the East Side Gallery, located near Ostbahnhof, with the Funkhaus cultural hub. 

Recognized as a forerunner in the field of sustainable water transport, Candela is also the world’s first producer — and now leader —of electric hydrofoil vessels. The Stockholm-based company, founded in 2014 by engineer Gustav Hasselskog, aims to create viable, fast and efficient alternatives to craft powered by fossil fuels.

Wondering how it works? The use of hydrofoil wings to lift a boat’s hull above water reduces friction and, at high speeds, results in an 80 percent reduction in energy consumption as compared to conventional vessels. A “flight regulator” automatically stabilizes watercraft through the use of sensors that detect components like wave height and wind speed. The launch of the company’s first commercial passenger vessel came in 2023, and ranks as the fastest long-range electric ship ever manufactured.

“Berlin is a city with a lot of water, but this is hardly used for transport. We want to open up waterways for fast, emission-free transport. We need that if we want to reduce emissions and congestion on the roads,” said Brigitte Junker of Candela. “With the hydrofoil technology, we hope to change this and use mankind’s oldest transport infrastructure for fast, zero-emission commuting.”