ShippingTelegraph: MOL, JAL partner on ‘Seaglider’ commercialization for passengers & cargo

Published by ShippingTelegraph

The Japanese shipping group Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) is collaborating with Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., classification society Lloyd’s Register, and REGENT Craft Inc. to jointly develop vessel certification and operational approval processes for the commercialization of REGENT’s fully electric vessel “Seaglider” in Japan.

The aim is to commercialize the next-generation vehicle “Seaglider,” a fully electric vehicle that combines the characteristics of maritime vessels and aircraft.

Seaglider vessels are classified as wing-in-ground crafts that fly a few meters above the sea, taking advantage of ground effect.

“We believe this initiative will create new opportunities in passenger and cargo transportation,” said Ryota Hayashi, general manager, energy business strategy division of MOL.

Capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, Seaglider vessels are being developed as a transport solution for both passengers and cargo, offering services particularly for coastal city connections and regional island routes.

The project marks the first collaboration in Japan with a classification society toward the commercialization of Seaglider vessels.

Lloyd’s Register will act as the first international classification society to certify Seaglider vessels outside the United States.

It will act as an independent third-party advisor, providing technical, safety, and regulatory guidance, while MOL and JAL will work with REGENT to establish a comprehensive and systematic framework for certification and approval processes in Japan ahead of a targeted launch around 2030.