The maritime industry is undergoing a meaningful shift towards sustainability, driven by growing environmental awareness and the development of clean technologies. Hybrid and electric motors are transforming the sector, addressing the urgent need to reduce the impact of vessels on marine ecosystems.Manufacturers are actively seeking new, environmentally conscious propulsion methods.

Historically, the nautical sector relied heavily on fossil fuels, with internal combustion engines dominating boat propulsion for decades, leading to environmental consequences. However, the integration of hybrid and electric motors offers an efficient solution to reduce the carbon footprint of vessels without compromising power or range.

Hybrid systems combine combustion and electric engines, allowing vessels to alternate between propulsion methods based on navigation conditions, optimizing fuel consumption and limiting emissions. Now, a new type of vessel is emerging: a vehicle that “flies” on water.

Electric Boat Connects Continents

Following the buzz around innovative ship designs, the world is watching the first journey of an electric vessel across the Strait of Gibraltar.The company Candela claims its design reduces energy consumption by 90% compared to conventional boats.

The Candela C-8 has become the first 100% electric boat to complete an intercontinental journey, traversing the Narrow between Puerto de Sotogrande, in San Roque (Cádiz) and Ceuta.

“electric boat of greater autonomy in the world…maritime transport is absolutely possible in the narrow of Gibraltar with swift and emissions vessels.”

According to a company statement, this “electric boat of greater autonomy in the world” demonstrates that “maritime transport is possible in the narrow of Gibraltar with quick and emissions vessels” that can “complement the existing transport options between Europa y Africa.”

How Hydrofoil Technology Works

The C8 is an electric ship with hydrofoils, essentially underwater wings, that lift the hull above the water. These foils are computer-controlled, providing significant energy savings and enabling long-distance travel using only batteries.

Separately, a group of Swedes recently set a record navigating a Candela C-8 between Stockholm and the finnish autonomous region of Åland.

This marks the first time an electric ship has crossed the Baltic Sea, completing a journey between the two countries. The round trip was completed in a single day, with energy costs reportedly 95% lower than those of a fossil fuel-powered vessel.

Hydrofoils: Efficiency and Intercontinental Travel

The Stockholm-based technology company Candela has developed electric hydrofoil ships and vessels. These designs “fly” on the water, reducing energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional ships, while maintaining significant range and high speed using battery power.

At the core of Candela’s hydrofoil technology is a flight controller, which automatically stabilizes the boat during flight by adjusting the foils.

The system uses sensors to measure wave height and wind speed. This vehicle promises to generate as much excitement as future wind-powered ships.