Canopy Power’s floating charging stations, powered by Ocean Sun’s patented floating solar technology, are to be used to charge Candela’s electric hydrofoil ferries deployed in remote locations.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which they say will revolutionise water mobility in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
The partnership aims to deliver a fossil-free transport ecosystem for island resorts and coastal communities by combining Candela’s long-range P-12 electric ferry with Canopy Power’s microgrid solution with floating solar and battery storage technologies.
The new collaboration is aimed at reducing reliance on diesel generators and the use of conventional ferries. Instead, energy generation will be linked to consumption.
We are offering a way to turn sunlight into silent, luxurious high-speed transport that pays for itself through fuel savings.
Björn Antonsson
Under the partnership, Canopy Power will design microgrids, based on Ocean Sun’s floating solar technology that captures solar energy on the water’s surface, which will be used to fast-charge Candela’s P-12 vessels.
The P-12, which ‘flies’ above the waves on computer-guided hydrofoils, uses 80% less energy than traditional hulls.
The companies intend to demonstrate that the switch to electric hydrofoiling, powered by on-site renewable energy, significantly reduces operational expenditures compared to diesel alternatives.
Game-changer for the region
“Fossil fuel dependency is the single biggest cost driver for remote island operators,” explained Björn Antonsson, regional CEO for APAC at Candela.
“By partnering with Canopy Power, we can offer a complete ecosystem. We aren’t just selling a boat; we are offering a way to turn sunlight into silent, luxurious high-speed transport that pays for itself through fuel savings.”
Mahasti Motazedi, strategy director at Canopy Power, added: “The combination of the floating charging station solution with Candela’s ultra-efficient electric vessels is a game changer for the region.
“For the first time, we are enabling island resorts to adopt a sustainable and clean water mobility solution, eliminating reliance on diesel.”
