Short cuts: Sweden’s speedy ‘flying’ ferry and the library reopens at St Paul’s

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Stockholm The world’s first electric “flying” passenger ferry has completed testing and entered production in Rotebro, just north of the Swedish capital. The Candela P-12 uses computer-controlled hydrofoils to lift it above the water’s surface, reducing energy consumption and minimising wake. Candela claims that the vessel, which seats up to 30 passengers, has a top speed of 30 knots, a range of 50 nautical miles and cuts operational costs in half compared with conventional diesel boats. It is due to enter service in Stockholm next year as part of a nine-month pilot; the manufacturers say it will cut the journey time from the Ekerö suburb to the city centre from 55 to 25 minutes, because the reduced wake exempts it from water speed limits. candela.com

Lima South American carrier Latam Airlines is to launch the only direct connection between Peru and the UK next week. From December 2, it will operate five flights per week between Lima and London Heathrow, using a Boeing 787-9 for the approximately 12-hour journey. The link is the first between the countries since British Airways axed its flight in 2019. latamairlines.com

London St Paul’s Cathedral has reopened its library after a five-year restoration project, offering public access to what it bills as “one of London’s best preserved 18th-century interiors”. More than 10,000 books and manuscripts were moved off-site for cleaning while the library, originally completed in 1709, was repainted and given new desks, display cases and lighting. The last time the shelves had been cleared was during the second world war, when the books, the oldest of which date back to 1313, were taken to Wales for safety. “The Cathedral Library is a remarkable room, and remains one of Sir Christopher Wren’s great achievements,” says the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Paul’s. “It is fitting that, as we mark 300 years since his death, his library is able to reopen after five years of painstaking restoration.” The room can be visited as part of the Triforium tour, which costs £10 per person in addition to the £20.50 general entry fee; individuals can also book an appointment to access the collections. stpauls.co.uk

Wroclaw The Slow Cyclist, the specialist small-group cycling tour operator, is to launch new trips in Poland’s Lower Silesia region. Founded in 2015 to offer trips to Transylvania, the company has gradually expanded to less-visited corners of countries as diverse as Greece and Rwanda. The five-day Polish trips begin in May and travel 20-45km per day through forests and rolling hills, visiting castles, family-run wineries and traditional farming hamlets. From £2,290 per person; theslowcyclist.com