Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela has secured an order for ten electric hydrofoil ferries from Thai operator Seudamgo by Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd., which will operate routes between the mainland and Koh Kood island in Trat province.
The agreement was signed during the SX Sustainability Expo in Bangkok, in the presence of the Governor of Trat, representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, and the Embassy of Sweden. The new ferries will replace gasoline-powered speedboats currently servicing the popular island route.
Candela’s P-12 model uses up to 80 percent less energy than conventional boats, produces zero emissions, and generates minimal wake or underwater noise. Each 11.99-metre vessel carries 20 passengers at speeds above 25 knots and can complete the 20-nautical-mile journey in about 40 minutes.
“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.”
Candela already operates its largest office outside Sweden in Bangkok, making Thailand a key hub for its Asia-Pacific expansion. The company views the country’s extensive island networks and tourism sector as major opportunities for sustainable marine transport.
The Koh Kood fleet will mark Candela’s first deployment in Thailand and Southeast Asia, underscoring growing Swedish–Thai cooperation in renewable and clean technology.
