SIMIC

The study from The Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm declared emissions from ships could be reduced 97.5 per cent by switching from diesel vessels to a new type of electric hydrofoil ship that will be introduced in Stockholm next year.

Next year, the Region of Stockholm will sea trial the fastest and longest-range electric ferry to date, the Candela P-12 Shuttle, which is the world's first hydrofoil passenger ship.

In Sweden, domestic shipping emitted 680,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2020, more than trains, buses, and domestic flights combined.

The study is the first to demonstrate the difference in environmental impact between electric hydrofoil ferries and traditional ferries.

It shows that electric flying ferries can play a significant role in transitioning to more sustainable maritime transport.

The hydrofoil technology means that the boat is lifted on wings that fly underwater, eliminating water resistance from pushing the hull through the water.

Hydrofoils reduce energy consumption 80 per cent compared to conventional ships.

The study also shows that the Candela P-12 Shuttle has a low carbon footprint from production compared to the diesel ferries examined.

Worldwide, ships account for three per cent of global greenhouse gasses.

Emissions are expected to rise in the coming years despite the International Maritime Organisation's ambition to cut ships' carbon intensity 40 per cent by 2030.