All-electric seaglider manufacturer Regent Craft will deliver its first 50-100-passenger Monarch seaglider to United Marine Egypt (UME) Shipping before the end of the decade.
This deal builds on UME’s existing order for the 12-passenger Viceroy seagliders. The seagliders will supplement UME’s shipping network, connecting Red Sea destinations.
Seaglider benefits
The vessel is an all-electric hydrofoiling wing-in-ground (WIG) craft, which means it always operates in ground effect, an operation that occurs within one wingspan of the surface of the water and provides increased aerodynamic efficiency, enabling it to travel further on a single charge.
The Monarch seaglider will travel up to 650km at 225km/h with 50-100 passengers or a 10,000kg payload. The Viceroy seaglider will travel up to 300km at 300km/h with 12 passengers or a 1,600kg payload.
Pathway to seaglider certification
Regent is advancing seaglider certification in markets around the world in partnership with classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR). Expanding on its work on the Viceroy seaglider, the company will reportedly deliver Monarch seagliders that are fully compliant with all requisite international codes and standards for WIG vessels of this size and scope of operation.
Credit: Regent
“LR is pleased to collaborate with Regent to develop international certification standards for the Monarch seaglider and other forms of innovative zero-emission maritime vessels,” said Joep Bollerman, vice president of passenger ships and passenger ship support center at Lloyd’s Register. “As the industry evolves to meet net zero commitments, LR’s expertise in classification and compliance services means it is well placed to ensure these vessels comply with global safety and environmental standards, both now and in the future.”
“Regent’s partnership with UME demonstrates the growing need for sustainable, high-speed transportation solutions,” said Adam Triolo, vice president of commercial business development at Regent. “We look forward to working together to bring seagliders to coastlines in the Red Sea and beyond.”
“UME is proud to partner with Regent as the first delivery customer of Monarch seagliders,” said Capt. Mohamed Badawy, chairman of UME. “The partnership represents our shared commitment to innovation in the shipping industry with the potential to increase sustainability and efficiency.”
In related news, the first electric hydrofoiling boat to cross the Baltic Sea recently made the journey between Sweden and Finland at a 95% lower cost than a boat powered by fossil fuel. Click here to read the full story.