With the goal of transforming the future of mobility, the Megaproject Neom of Saudi Arabia announces the implementation of electric water taxis, bringing innovation and sustainability to the region’s public transport.
The Neom megaproject of Saudi Arabia, which has drawn the attention of the entire world since its announcement in 2017, has just taken another bold step toward the future with the introduction of a fleet of electric water taxis. This initiative is part of a broader plan by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, which aims to transform a vast area of 26,500 km² in the northwest of the country into a sustainable development hub by 2039.
Neom is a vision of how future cities can operate. The idea of the megaproject is to create a megacity called “The Line”, which will stretch for 105 miles (about 170 km), with only 200 meters in width and buildings up to 500 meters tall. With this innovative format, everything has been planned for pedestrians and cyclists to access the main amenities on foot or by bike. For longer distances, the project relies on electric buses and an underground transit system. However, when the need to cross bodies of water arises, the solution found is equally impressive: the electric water taxis Candela P-12.
Fleet of Electric Water Taxis Will Consist of 8 Vessels
The initial fleet for the megaproject will consist of eight of these vessels, which have already begun production and should be delivered to Saudi Arabia between 2025 and early 2026. These taxis are not only innovative for being electric but also for their advanced technology that sets them apart from any other traditional water system. Unlike large and slow conventional ferries, the Candela P-12 is an agile vessel capable of offering faster and more frequent trips, making transportation much more efficient.
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Candela P-12 Fully Emission-Free for the NEOM Megaproject

Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela, emphasized that the Candela P-12 was designed to create a completely emission-free water transportation system, with significant gains over the traditional model. With a capacity for up to 30 passengers, depending on the configuration, the P-12 is equipped with hydrofoils that make it literally “fly” above the water upon reaching takeoff speed, reaching a service speed of up to 25 knots (about 53 km/h).
But that’s not all. The electric water taxi Candela P-12 also stands out for its energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Equipped with a 252 kWh battery bank, it can operate for over 2 hours on a single charge, all with an exceptionally low noise level and almost no wake in the water, making the ride not only sustainable but also pleasant for passengers in the megaproject. An analysis from KTH Royal Institute of Technology showed that the P-12 emits 97.5% less CO2 over its lifetime compared to similar-sized diesel vessels.
Neom Megaproject of Saudi Arabia Reveals That Cities Can Be Self-Sufficient
This technological and environmental advancement of the Neom megaproject of Saudi Arabia is not just a solution for public transport, but also a promise that the future of cities can be green, innovative, and surprising. With this initiative, Neom positions itself as a true laboratory for the cities of tomorrow, where mobility and sustainability go hand in hand.
The arrival of electric water taxis at Neom will not only mark a new chapter in the history of transportation, but also solidify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading innovation and sustainability on the global stage. What was once a futuristic vision is rapidly becoming a reality, and the world eagerly awaits to see what else Neom will bring in the coming years.
The idea of electric water taxis that practically fly over the water seems like something out of a science fiction movie, right? But it’s real and it’s happening! Leave your opinion in the comments: do you think this technology can really revolutionize transportation in the cities of the future?

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