With the aim of transforming the future of mobility, Saudi Arabia's Neom Megaproject announces the implementation of electric water taxis, bringing innovation and sustainability to public transport in the region.
O Saudi Arabia's Neom megaprojectqwhich has already attracted worldwide attention since its announcement in 2017, has just taken another bold step towards the future with the introduction of a fleet of electric water taxis. That initiative is part of a broader plan of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, whowhich aims to transform a vast area of 26.500 km² in the northwest of the country into a sustainable development hub by 2039.
Neom it is a vision of how cities of the future 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 just 200 meters wide and buildings up to 500 meters high. With this innovative format, everything was planned so that pedestrians and cyclists can access the main amenities on foot or by bicycle. For longer distances, the project bets on electric buses and an underground transit system. However, when the need to cross waterways 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 started to be produced and should be delivered to Saudi Arabia between 2025 and the beginning of 2026. These taxis are not only innovative because they are electric, but also because of their advanced technology that puts them ahead of 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 travel much more efficient.
- New Ranger: to compete head-to-head with the BYD Shark pickup truck, the new pickup truck is here to make Brazilians happy
- Best Building in the World: Public school building chosen at global festival
- 1.120 meters and costing R$ 173.844.790,50! Largest BRIDGE on the São Francisco River — Pure engineering on its way to reality!
- Tatuzão: How is the EXCAVATION of the SUBWAY in São Paulo done? The complex process behind this important infrastructure
Completely emission-free Candela P-12 for NEOM megaproject
Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela, highlighted that the Candela P-12 was designed with the purpose of creating a completely emission-free water transport system, with significant gains compared to the traditional model. With capacity for up to 30 passengers, depending on configuration, the P-12 is equipped with hydrofoils that make it literally “fly” over the water when it reaches takeoff speed, reaching a service speed of up to 25 knots (about 53 km/h).
But not only that. O Candela P-12 electric water taxi also stands out for its energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Equipped with a 252 kWh battery bank, It can operate for more than 2 hours on a single charge, all this with an exceptionally low noise level and almost no wakes in the water, making the journey not only sustainable but also enjoyable for passengers on the megaproject. An analysis by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology found that the P-12 emits 97,5% less CO2 over its useful life compared to diesel vessels of similar size.
Saudi Arabia's Neom megaproject reveals that cities can be self-sufficient
This technological and environmental advancement of Saudi Arabia's Neom megaproject 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.
A arrival of electric water taxis in Neom will not only mark a new chapter in the history of transportation, but will also solidify Saudi Arabia's commitment to leading innovation and sustainability on the global stage. What was a futuristic vision is quickly becoming a reality, and the world eagerly awaits to see what more Neom will bring in the coming years.
The idea of electric water taxis that practically fly over 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 transport in cities of the future?