Swedish operator to expand hydrofoil commuter ferry service

Region Stockholm, the government agency responsible for providing public transport services in Sweden's Stockholm County, will expand its existing hydrofoil commuter ferry service from its current arrangement of five days a week to daily operations.

The service was made available during the autumn and is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, April 15. The expanded service with daily operation will commence in May.

Statistics released by Region Stockholm show that the hydrofoil ferry service is popular among commuters, with one route having experienced an increase in ridership of around 30 per cent.

The popularity of the service partly stems from the ferry being able to reduce travel time between Tappström (Ekerö centre) and Stockholm City Hall to 30 minutes, compared to about an hour by car or bus.

The hydrofoil ferry used for the service is capable of transporting 30 passengers plus wheelchairs and bicycles at speeds of up to 30 knots without emissions, wakes, or noise pollution.

The boat is equipped with computer-controlled hydrofoils that will lift the hull above the water and allow cruising on battery power alone for up to 60 nautical miles at 20 knots.

Other notable features include an extendable automatic bow ramp that can be adjusted to quay heights ranging from 0.2 to two metres. This allows the vessel to embark and disembark at existing jetties without the need for additional specialised infrastructure.