Swedish electric hydrofoil developer Candela is targeting waterborne transport across the Fiji with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deploy a fleet of Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil vessels across the islands.
The MoU is with operator and financing partner Green Pacific Shipping and Fijian operating partner Sea Fiji and is in response to rising fuel costs and supply uncertainty following the recent oil market disruptions.
The companies point out that as waterborne transport is the backbone of Fiji’s economy — powering tourism and keeping communities connected across more than 300 islands, the fuel crisis is felt directly through higher travel fares, food prices and the cost of basic supplies.
The service is set to operate under a local brand, VukaWaqa and will replace conventional diesel transfer boats on the routes serving Fiji’s outer-island resorts in the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups.
First vessels are scheduled to enter service in mid 2027.
Provision for further expansion
Under the MoU, an initial fleet of three to five Candela P-12 vessels are envisioned to operate between Nadi/Denarau and the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, with provision for further expansion in subsequent phases.
Green Pacific Shipping will act as the principal operator and financing/asset-owning party for the fleet with Sea Fiji leading in-country operations, local crewing and customer experience.
Candela will supply the vessels, train crew and technicians and support the build-up of local maintenance capability in Fiji.
Under the MoU, the parties have also committed to jointly explore renewable charging solutions for the VukaWaqa fleet.
Sustainable waterborne transport
Candela’s P-12 electric vessel flies above the water on computer-controlled hydrofoils, using up to 80% less energy than conventional fast boats.
“Fiji is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in sustainable waterborne transport,” said Björn Antonsson, regional CEO of Candela APAC.
“Tourism depends on Fiji’s extraordinary marine environment, but there is also a growing need for greater energy independence and resilience.
“Electric vessels can help address both — and with partners like Green Pacific Shipping and Sea Fiji, we can now turn that vision into a real service on the water.”
Tourism industry
Matthew Lambert, co-founder of Green Pacific Shipping, added: “Fiji’s tourism industry depends on reliable, comfortable transfers and on protecting the reefs and waters that draw guests here in the first place.
“Combining Candela’s technology with Sea Fiji’s local expertise, VukaWaqa is designed to deliver a premium guest experience and a step-change in resilience for operators.”
Candela’s electric hydrofoil vessels are currently operating in public transport service in Stockholm, Sweden.
The company has also announced deployments in the Maldives, Mumbai and Norway.
The MoU establishes a framework for the parties to finalise definitive commercial agreements in the coming months, ahead of planned vessel deliveries in mid-2027.
