A high-tech upgrade for a ferry service plying a Fiordland lake

The world's first electric hydro-foiling ferry is set to sail on Lake Manapouri.

Meridian Energy says the Candela P-12 will provide daily transport for staff and contractors servicing the local hydro-power station.

It'll save 240 tonnes of carbon emissions a year - equivalent to taking 52 petrol cars off the road.

Meridian's general manager of generation, Tania Palmer says they're pretty excited because it's never been seen in New Zealand before.

She says staff have been involved from the get-go, and are happy to contribute to fossil-free transport on a national park lake.

It's set to sail from next year onwards.