Berlin has taken a significant step towards sustainable urban transportation with the introduction of the Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry. The cutting-edge vessel promises to revolutionize city travel across the Spree River by providing fast and emissions-free transport between Berlin's eastern city center and the cultural hub Funkhaus in Oberschöneweide. Capable of traveling at 25 knots, the P-12 is not only the fastest electric ship of its kind but also a first in Germany. This marks a pivotal shift for the city, which has much underutilized waterway potential, as Brigitte Junker from Swedish tech company Candela notes. The ferry is seen as an innovative solution to alleviate congestion on the roads and reduce emissions, providing a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.
The P-12 ferry offers numerous advantages over traditional water transport options. With a travel time of just ten minutes per route, these new generation ferries aim to outperform both cars and public transportation such as the S-Bahn and the tram line 21, which struggles with long intervals and congestion-related delays. Its hydrofoil technology allows the vessel to ride above the water, reducing drag and energy consumption by 80% compared to conventional ships and taking advantage of an adjusting bow ramp to dock seamlessly at varying heights. The vessel's design also minimizes wake, making it ideal for urban waterways like those in Berlin and earning it special permissions to navigate without typical speed restrictions.
This forward-thinking project is more than just a technological advancement; it offers economic and environmental benefits with reduced operational costs and a drastic decrease in the carbon footprint, due to its maintenance-free electric C-POD motors. Uwe Fabich, owner of Reederei Riedel, who purchased the ferry, highlights the potential to showcase Berlin as a city embracing innovative clean energy solutions. The P-12 will start with hourly service offerings, possibly expanding to bi-directional trips as demand grows, ultimately establishing waterway commuting as a viable and attractive alternative for Berliners. This initiative not only enhances connectivity to outer city areas but also revitalizes the city’s long-neglected waterways, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable transport infrastructure.
📷: CANDELA
