STORY: An electric-powered passenger ferry that glides above the water has made its public transport debut in Sweden.

:: Stockholm, Sweden

The P-12 is powered solely by battery and its three carbon fiber hydrofoils make it look like it's "flying" on water.

In addition, Candela - the company behind the vehicle - says it can dramatically reduce energy consumption compared with other regular fast vessels.

:: Sustainable Business

:: Gustav Hasselskog, Founder and CEO of Candela

“So in general with passenger ferries, the problem there is that they use a lot of energy, a lot of fuel, which means also that they are very costly.”

Gustav Hasselskog is Candela's founder.

“With the technology we use, which is hydrofoils combined with electric drive train, we reduce the energy consumption with 75%."

Wake from the vessel is kept to a minimum.

That has earned the ferry an exemption from speed limits on the waterways.

“The commuting time is shortened and it's good for the environment and it's good for the taxpayers in terms of the work cost.”

The hydrofoil is now running in a direct line between the island of Ekero in the lake Malaren and the city center.

It has, Hasselskog said, cut a journey that usually takes 50 minutes down to 25 minutes.

“In many cities you have a lot of congestion and waterways are just there to be used. And here we have something that is fast and very clean.”

The P-12 operates from Tuesdays to Saturdays until August, taking a break during the winter.

It has a capacity for 25 passengers and is accessible for wheelchairs and bicycles.