.png)
2 Oct 2025
Bangkok / Stockholm, October 2, 2025 – 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 wakes, and heavy emissions, threatening marine life, shorelines, and the quiet character of the island.
In a landmark agreement, Swedish electric boat maker Candela and transport operator Seudamgo have agreed that Seudamgo will take delivery of 10 Candela P-12 hydrofoil vessels for operations in Thailand – the world’s fastest and longest-range electric passenger ship.
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 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.
“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.
“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 in 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.”
The signing ceremony took place during SX Sustainability Expo, the largest of its kind in South-East Asia and was witnessed by the Governor of Trat as well as by representatives from Ministry of Transport and the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.