New Zealand’s most iconic lake gets world’s first flying electric ferry
The new, Swedish-made Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry will provide daily transport for the staff and contractors servicing the country’s largest hydro power station, Manapōuri Power Station. It’ll save 240 tons of carbon emissions each year – equivalent to taking 52 petrol cars off the road.
Tania Palmer, Meridian’s GM of Generation, says it’s one way the company is reducing its emissions from internal transport, contributing to Meridian’s goal of halving its emissions by 2030.
Boasting the highest top speed and longest range of any electric ferry, it also provides many environmental benefits. At a cruise speed of 25 knots, the wake behind the vessel is less than 15cm high, which will minimize disruption to the shoreline of Lake Manapōuri – part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area and home to many indigenous species, including longfin eel.
As the ferry flies over Lake Manapōuri, which has been voted the country’s most beautiful lake, its passengers need not worry about getting seasick; the P-12 is stabilized in real-time by a computer system —a Flight controller which prevents the motion-sickness inducing pitching and slamming found in other ships. The Flight controller uses sensors to measure the wave height in front of the vessel, and then adjusts the hydrofoils’ angle of attack 100 times per second to provide a smooth ride over them.
The Candela P-12 is expected to begin operating on Lake Manapouri in 2025.
