TECHNOLOGY
CANDELA P-12: SILENCE IS GOLDEN
During commissioning trials in Stockholm, P-12 cabin noise levels were measured at 63-64 dB during cruise – exceptionally quiet for a high-speed craft.
By comparison, passenger areas on modern ferries often range between 65 and 75 dB, while a high-speed express train typically operates at around 70 – 75 dB. First class cabins on aircraft are louder still.
Because decibels are logarithmic, a 10 dB reduction is perceived as roughly halving the loudness, meaning the P-12 Business cabin, to the human ear, is more akin to a quiet lounge than to any conventional mode of transport.
The comparison to the conventional speedboats the P-12 Business is replacing is even more striking. These typically operate at 85 – 95 dB – several times louder to the human ear.
“ The P-12 Business experience merges tech and interior craftsmanship – we’ ve engineered comfort into the ride itself. It is more akin to sitting in a quiet lounge than being on a fast vessel. Here, the transfer becomes a highlight in its own right,” says Gustav Hasselskog, Candela’ s CEO and Founder.
The vessel has a sound-proofed, premium Business-class interior, with thick carpets, comfortable seats, a powerful AC system, Wi-Fi and a coffee bar.
“ It is a surreal experience to sip coffee, converse with fellow passengers and take in the views while travelling at 25 knots over the waves – without hearing or feeling them. If there ever was a magic carpet, we’ ve made it,” says Gustav.
Hospitality water transfers are a large and growing global market, driven by the rise of coastal and island tourism. From the Maldives and Caribbean to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, thousands of daily resort journeys still rely on noisy, fuel-intensive speedboats.
The first P-12 Business vessels will operate in the Maldives, Saudi Arabia and Mumbai, on routes such as Gateway of India to Navi Mumbai’ s new airport, replacing today’ s wooden diesel ferries and providing a much-needed express service.
108 June 2026