Bangkok / Stockholm – At a ceremony in Bangkok, Swedish electric boat maker Candela and Thai operator Seudamgo by Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd. entered an agreement for 10 Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries to initially operate on the route between the mainland and Koh Kood in Trat province.
Koh Kood, often described as Thailand’s most pristine island paradise, has been intentionally kept less developed than tourist hotspots such as Phuket or Koh Samui. Yet access to this unique destination has relied on conventional gasoline-powered speedboats – vessels that generate noise, large damaging wakes, and heavy emissions, threatening marine life, shorelines, and the quiet character of the island.
In a landmark agreement signed during the SX Sustainability Expo – South-East Asia’s largest of its kind – Candela and Seudamgo confirmed the latter will take delivery of 10 Candela P-12 hydrofoil ferries for operations in Thailand. The ceremony was witnessed by the Governor of Trat, representatives from the Ministry of Transport, and the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok.
Candela’s P-12 electric hydrofoil vessels offer a radically different approach than traditional fast ferries and speedboats. Flying above the water on underwater wings, they use up to 80% less energy than traditional boats, produce zero emissions, and leave virtually no wake or noise. With the ability to charge directly from solar power, they enable truly clean and sustainable island transport.
With a fleet of P-12’s in operation, Seudamgo will be able to provide frequent daily departures while dramatically improving the passenger experience: a seasickness-free, whisper-quiet ride in a comfortable cabin, as the P-12 benefits from its digital Flight control system, a computer which automatically adjust the hydrofoils angle of attack in real time to counteract the slamming or pitching found in other vessels.
The interior of the Candela P-12 Business accommodates 20 passengers in an air-conditioned cabin. Its digital flight control system minimizes slamming, ensuring a smooth, sea-sickness-free ride.
“Candela’s P-12 foil electric technology is a game-changer. It represents a truly sustainable vessel – free from emissions, oil spills, and underwater noise. At the same time, it offers passengers a superior experience – you can’t really get seasick on board a Candela. We are proud to be the first to bring this unique technology to Thailand and South-East Asia,” says Surachai Suwanthanakul, CEO of Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd.
The 10 vessels will be the upscale Business version of P-12, featuring premium seating and a spacious, airy interior for 20 passengers, along with ample luggage capacity. Cruising at 25+ knots, the vessels will cover the 20-nautical mile route in just 40 minutes.
Most importantly, the new fleet will help preserve the region’s pristine environment, ensuring that tourism growth can continue without sacrificing the island’s unique natural beauty.
Landmark deal: Candela’s Regional CEO Mr Björn Antonsson (left) shaking hands with Mr Surachai Suwanthanakul, CEO of Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd, flanked by the Governor of Trat, Mr Nattapong Sanguanjitra, and Deputy and Permanent Secretary Punya Chupanit, Ministry of Transport, Thailand, together with (from left) Tomas Juhlin, VP of Swedish Chamber of Commerce, and Mr Per Linnér, Charge d’Affairs Swedish Embassy, Bangkok.
“This agreement demonstrates how Thailand can leapfrog directly to sustainable waterborne transport,” said Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela. “By replacing noisy, polluting speedboats with our electric flying ships, Seudamgo is protecting one of Thailand’s most beautiful destinations.”
Thailand is home to Candela’s largest office outside Sweden, located in Bangkok, and is a key market for the Swedish electromobility company thanks to its vast waterborne transport sector and more than 1,500 islands – many of which rank among the world’s top tourist destinations.
“Thailand is one of the most exciting markets for sustainable water transport,” says Björn Antonsson, Candela’s Regional CEO Asia-Pacific. “With its thousands of islands, big rivers and vibrant tourism industry, the country can truly benefit from our technology. Partnering with Seudamgo to introduce the P-12 fleet is a fantastic beginning – we see enormous potential to expand clean, efficient hydrofoil transport across Thailand and the wider region.”
Facts sheet Candela P-12:
Length. 11.99 meters
Beam 4.5 meters
Capacity 20 PAX
Propulsion 2x Candela C-Pod 110kW continuous / 160kW peak
Batteries 378kWh nominal / 336kWh usable
Charging up to 300 kW DC
Service Speed. 25 knots
Range Up to 40 nautical miles at 25 knots service speed
Video on Candela P-12:
