Mumbai's Electric Ferry To Move Towards A Greener Tomorrow
By Manu Shrivastava
Despite the localised brouhaha by a handful of residents over the soon-to-be-installed Colaba Jetty, have begun swift moves to initiate use of the city's brand new waterways for salvation from logjam traffic snarls.
Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is now poised to glide into a quieter, cleaner future. With its labyrinthine roads choked by traffic, the financial capital of India is turning to its shimmering waterways for salvation.
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Enter the hydrofoiling Candela P-12 electric commuter ferries—sleek, futuristic vessels that promise to transform the daily grind into a swift, eco-friendly breeze. Mumbai’s ambitious project is making waves, aiming to build the world’s largest single electric foiling ferry fleet and redefine urban mobility.
During India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's official visit to Stockholm in June 2025, JalVimana CEO Niraj Thakur and Candela CEO Gustav Hasselskog publicly announced a significant deal: JalVimana placed an order for 11 Candela foiling ferries, which will be deployed in Mumbai to form the core of a new electric water transport network. This announcement took place in Stockholm aboard a Candela vessel, with both CEOs affirming the agreement in the presence of the Minister.
Imagine this: It’s dawn in Mumbai, and the air hums with the chaos of honking autorickshaws and overcrowded trains. For millions, the commute is a daily battle against time and space. But soon, commuters may trade gridlock for a glide across the Arabian Sea.
Backed by the Maharashtra government, India-based JalVimana operator has ordered 11 Candela P-12 ferries, with dreams of scaling to thousands.
These “flying boats” use hydrofoil technology to lift above the water, slashing energy use by 80 per cent compared to traditional ferries and cutting travel times dramatically.
The vision is bold. Routes connecting Navi Mumbai to South Mumbai, Vasai to the Gateway of India, and other key nodes could shrink a two-hour road slog to a 20-minute aquatic sprint.
JalVimana’s leadership envisions a “water highway” that eases Mumbai’s traffic woes while slashing carbon emissions. It's a tribute to sustainability, written in the ink of innovation.
At the heart of this revolution is the Candela P-12, a Swedish-engineered marvel that’s less ferry and more seabound spacecraft. Trials in Stockholm proved its mettle, with the P-12 skimming silently over choppy waters.
With a capacity for 30 passengers and a top speed of 25 knots, it’s built for efficiency and elegance. The hydrofoils—underwater wings—lift the hull, reducing drag and enabling a serene, emission-free ride. Candela’s leadership sees Mumbai as the perfect canvas for this technology, a city where water and ambition converge.
The ferries aren’t just green; they’re smart. Equipped with sensors and AI, they navigate Mumbai’s bustling waterways with precision, dodging fishing boats and monsoon swells. The emerging fleet is as much a symbol of progress as a practical solution, backed by officials who view it as a model for India’s urban future.
Mumbai’s ferry project may begin locally, but its implications are global. The scale is staggering. While the initial order is for 11 ferries, the long-term goal envisions a fleet numbering in the thousands. This isn’t just a pilot; it’s a paradigm shift, positioning Mumbai to outpace global peers in electric water transit. The strong backing of the Maharashtra government reflects the political will driving this transformation.
Yet, no voyage is without storms. Mumbai’s waterways are crowded, and integrating a high-tech fleet will demand new infrastructure—jetties, charging stations, and regulatory frameworks.
Logistical hurdles will need to be overcome through seamless coordination between JalVimana, Candela, and local authorities. Monsoon seasons could test the ferries’ resilience, and public adoption hinges on affordability and awareness.
Still, the optimism is infectious. The project aligns with Mumbai’s broader push for smart, sustainable infrastructure. If successful, it could inspire other coastal cities—Chennai, Kochi, or even Jakarta—to follow suit.
As the sun sets over Mumbai’s skyline, the promise of the Candela P-12 ferries glimmers on the horizon. This is more than a transport project; it’s a love story between a city and its sea, a tale of technology meeting tradition. Mumbai is charting a course toward a future where commutes are swift, skies are clear, and the waters whisper hope.
For now, the first 11 ferries are a spark. But they could ignite a revolution, turning Mumbai into a global icon of green mobility. The journey has just begun, and the world is ready to sail along.
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