Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has entered into an agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL), Lloyd’s Register (LR), and REGENT to jointly work on a project to commercialise REGENT’s fully electric seaglider vessel in Japan.
Seaglider vessels are fully electric vehicles that combine the characteristics of maritime vessels and aircraft and travel at speeds of up to 300km/h. They are classified as wing-in-ground (WIG) craft that fly a few metres above the sea, taking advantage of the ‘ground effect’ reduction in aerodynamic drag generated by a winged craft close to a fixed surface.
LR has partnered with REGENT to act as the first international classification society to certify seaglider vessels outside the United States. Under this joint development project in Japan, LR will act as an independent third-party advisor, providing technical, safety, and regulatory guidance, while MOL and JAL will work in collaboration with REGENT to establish a systematic framework for certification and approval processes in the country. JAL is an existing investor in REGENT.
The partners say that they are aiming for the commercialisation of seaglider operations in the country by around 2030.
“By combining MOL and JAL’s expertise in safe and reliable maritime and aviation operations with REGENT’s innovative technology and Lloyd’s Register’s certification capabilities, we aim to pave the way for Seaglider operations in Japan,” said Ryota Hayashi, General Manager, Energy Business Strategy Division, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.
“We believe this initiative will create new opportunities in passenger and cargo transportation and contribute to a sustainable and advanced transportation network.”
Japan was identified as a key market for the vessels due to the central role of the ocean in its economy. More than 80% of the population lives near the coast, meaning seagliders could offer a useful transportation option. It is estimated that the craft could service around 25 million passengers each year.
“Establishing clear certification pathways in Japan is the critical foundation that makes commercial deployment possible, and we couldn’t ask for stronger partners to do that work alongside us,” said Ted Lester, Vice President of Certification, REGENT.
“MOL, JAL, and Lloyd’s Register each bring deep expertise in safety, certification, and operations as we move forward to bring Seaglider technology from vision to reality in one of the world’s most important maritime markets.”
REGENT has raised more than US$100 million to date from investors including 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, and Lockheed Martin.
