Proponents pitch Candela electric hydrofoil ferries and U.S. production for Beaufort County

Dedric Advocat introduced a presentation on Candela electric hydrofoil ferries, saying he contacted the Swedish company and helped arrange U.S. market discussions. He asked county leaders to consider the technology for Beaufort County and nearby islands and to help connect the company with regional transportation committees and economic-development partners.

Christo, introduced as founder and CEO of Candela, described about 11 years of technology development and said the company is now focusing on ramping up production. He and Advocat both said that, to operate commercially in the United States, a U.S. manufacturing presence is necessary to satisfy domestic requirements (they referenced a 70% U.S. cost threshold tied to Jones Act constraints). Advocat said the company was exploring sites in Jasper County and other locations close to I‑95 and Savannah River transport links.

The presenters said the Candela vessels are high‑tech carbon‑fiber hydrofoils that ‘‘foil’’ (rise out of the water) at roughly 12 knots; they reported top speeds of 25–30 knots and a usable radius of about 40 miles. A typical vessel was described as roughly 12 meters (about 36 feet) long with seating for about 30 passengers. Advocat said the boats consume ‘‘90% less energy’’ compared with older ferry designs and that, at modest occupancies, the operator could run profitably without ongoing county subsidies.

Advocat and the company outlined a phased approach: a small initial deployment (three to six ferries) with a production pilot that could scale if local demand and infrastructure supported it. They estimated a per‑vessel price range between $3.8 million and $8 million and said a clustered manufacturing operation could generate significant regional economic activity if located in Jasper County.

Commissioners and other attendees focused questions on operational constraints and local costs. A committee member asked about draft and sea conditions; the presenter said draft is about three feet and that the vessels are stable because they ride on foils. On crew and operations, the presenters said automation reduces crew needs but that Coast Guard requirements and embarkation staffing would still apply. Charging and range questions produced these responses: a stated range of about 40 miles and a 50‑minute full‑charging time, with possible short turnarounds of 3–10 minutes built into high‑frequency schedules.

Speakers and committee members raised several recurring concerns: parking demand at public launch sites (and the risk of displacing recreational use), the ‘‘last mile’’ problem of getting riders from docks to workplaces without adding costly parking, and which jurisdiction would pay for shore‑side infrastructure. Advocat suggested design approaches such as integrated parking garages and phased deployment to reduce up‑front public costs, and argued that state and federal grants could help cover on‑land infrastructure. He also cited Department of Commerce offers of technical or training support and referenced proposed state funding items (a $3 million maritime division under DOT and a related maritime study) that would support workforce development.

Advocat asked the county to consider pilot coordination, further technical review with Palmetto Breeze and DOT, and continued engagement on potential plant sites. He offered to provide additional corporate materials and follow up with local committees to explore next steps.

The meeting moved to the next agenda item after more technical and operational questions and no formal county vote or commitment was taken.