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| An earlier pilot variant being tested back in 2024. |
The maritime industry is witnessing a quiet revolution as electric hydrofoil technology moves from concept to commercial reality, with two major milestones this month signaling a new era for sustainable waterborne transport.
Artemis Technologies has officially launched the EF-12 Pilot, the world's first fully electric hydrofoil vessel specifically developed for pilotage operations. Meanwhile, across the North Sea in Stockholm, the Candela P-12 electric flying ferry has been declared a resounding success in an official report, halving travel times and cutting emissions by 94%.
These developments represent a significant shift in how the maritime sector is approaching decarbonization, with hydrofoil technology emerging as a practical solution to the industry's longstanding challenge of balancing speed with sustainability.
Artemis EF-12 Pilot: A New Standard for Maritime Pilotage
The Artemis EF-12 Pilot, which has now entered the water and is progressing through sea trials, represents a fundamental rethinking of what a pilot boat can be. Designed specifically for the demanding requirements of pilot transfer operations, the vessel combines zero-emission propulsion with the speed, control, and robustness necessary for daily service.
The hydrofoil technology at the heart of the EF-12 Pilot allows the vessel to lift out of the water at high speeds, dramatically reducing drag and energy consumption. With a top speed of 30 knots (nearly 56 km/h) and a typical cruising speed of 25 knots (46 km/h), the EF-12 can transfer maritime pilots to and from ships far more quickly than conventional vessels.
According to Artemis Technologies, the first EF-12 unit is now officially in the water and will undergo a final testing phase before entering operational service. The vessel builds on over four years of proven operational experience with the company's Artemis eFoiler® system, which has demonstrated predictable handling and stability across various weather and sea states.
"The Artemis EF-12 Pilot applies proven foiling technology to meet the demands of pilotage, delivering an efficient, fully electric solution that supports pilots, crews and port operations globally," said Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies.
In 2024, Artemis already conducted tests confirming that the EF-12 Pilot performs well in wakes, even in foiling mode. The company also established that the pilot boat can rapidly approach and safely land alongside ships in displacement mode, getting close enough to large vessels to transfer pilots between them.
Customers announced to date include Brabo (Belgium), the Swedish Maritime Administration, Noatum Maritime (Abu Dhabi), and the Port of Tyne (UK), reflecting growing global demand for zero-emission pilot vessels as ports and operators invest in cleaner, high-performance solutions.
Stockholm's Hydrofoil Ferry Success: A Paradigm Shift
While Artemis is making waves in the pilot boat sector, competitor Candela has been demonstrating the transformative potential of hydrofoil technology in public transportation. The company's P-12 electric flying ferry has been operating in Stockholm's public transport system on Route 89 between the suburb of Ekerö and central Stockholm, and the results have exceeded expectations.
The official report, released in February 2026, reveals that the hydrofoiling ferry has achieved what many thought impossible: reducing travel time from 55 minutes to approximately 30 minutes while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 94% compared to conventional diesel vessels.
Passenger satisfaction has been remarkably high, with 95% of travelers rating their experience positively. Ridership on the line increased by 22.5% during the test period, with the novel experience attracting both commuters and tourists.
The environmental benefits extend beyond emissions reductions. The P-12's wakes measure just 13 centimeters—comparable to a small dinghy with an outboard motor and significantly smaller than conventional vessels of similar size. Sound measurements showed the P-12 to be as quiet as a car on summer tires traveling at 45 km/h, barely audible from 25 meters away.
"By combining high speed, minimal energy use, and near-zero emissions, we can unlock faster, cleaner, and more cost-efficient waterborne transport for cities worldwide," said Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela.
The economic case is equally compelling. The report concludes that a six-vessel P-12 system replacing two large diesel ferries would generate SEK 119 million (€12 million) in socioeconomic benefits through reduced operating costs and time savings. The system would allow departures every 15 minutes instead of once per hour, increasing passenger capacity by 150%.
For more details on the Stockholm trial and its implications for urban waterborne transport, you can read the full report coverage here.
The Regulatory Challenge
Despite the clear benefits demonstrated in Stockholm, hydrofoil technology faces a fundamental obstacle: the lack of technology neutrality in maritime regulations. Current rules typically impose fixed speed limits that don't account for the reduced environmental impact achievable at high speeds with hydrofoil vessels.
In Stockholm, a special exemption has been granted to support research and testing of the P-12, allowing it to operate at higher speeds within the city. This exemption was critical to demonstrating the full benefits of the technology.
However, similar accommodations are unlikely in many other jurisdictions. Berlin is set to receive a hydrofoil this year, but previous information indicates that the vessel won't be permitted to travel at high speeds, potentially limiting its operational effectiveness.
The Stockholm report recommends that future speed limit exemptions be considered to further accelerate waterborne transport in the city, setting a precedent that other cities and countries may follow.
The Technology Behind the Revolution
The resurgence of hydrofoil technology is driven by electrification. Modern hydrofoil vessels use computer-controlled foils that lift the hull above the water, reducing friction and using significantly less energy than conventional ships at high speed.
Candela's P-12, for example, uses 80% less energy than conventional vessels at high speed. The company's Flight controller automatically stabilizes the vessel during flight by regulating the foils, using sensors that gauge wave height and wind speed. Even in rough weather, passengers experience 90% less g-forces than they would on a traditional boat.
Both Artemis and Candela are working on expanding their electric hydrofoil offerings. Artemis is developing larger hydrofoils beyond the EF-12 Pilot, while Candela is ramping up production at its Stockholm factory to 40 vessels per year, with deliveries to customers in Mumbai, the Maldives, Thailand, Berlin, and other markets beginning in 2026.
A Transformative Moment for Maritime Transport
The simultaneous success of the Artemis EF-12 Pilot and the Candela P-12 in Stockholm represents a transformative moment for maritime transport. These vessels demonstrate that electric hydrofoil technology is not just viable but superior to conventional alternatives in terms of speed, efficiency, and environmental impact.
For pilotage operations, the EF-12 Pilot offers a practical pathway to decarbonization without compromising operational performance. For urban transport, the Stockholm trial has shown that hydrofoil ferries can transform city waterways, making them competitive with road and rail alternatives.
As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, hydrofoil technology is emerging as a compelling solution. With both established players like Artemis and innovative newcomers like Candela pushing the boundaries of what's possible, the future of waterborne transport is looking faster, cleaner, and more efficient than ever before.
The regulatory challenges remain significant, but the evidence from Stockholm suggests that when allowed to operate at their full potential, electric hydrofoils can deliver transformative benefits. As more cities and port authorities take notice of these successes, the pressure to update outdated regulations will only increase.
The EF-12 Pilot's sea trials will be closely watched by the maritime industry, with ports and pilot authorities around the world eager to see how this groundbreaking vessel performs in operational service. If it delivers on its promise, it could mark the beginning of a new era for pilotage operations worldwide.