Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd has entered into an agreement with Japan Airlines, Lloyd’s Register and REGENT Craft to jointly develop processes for vessel certification and operational approval, with the aim of commercializing REGENT’s fully electric Seaglider in Japan.
According to a Mitsui press release:
“Seaglider vessels are fully electric next-generation vehicles that combine the characteristics of maritime vessels and aircraft. They are classified as wing-in-ground (WIG) crafts that fly a few meters above the sea, taking advantage of ground effect. Designed to deliver high-speed transportation at speeds of up to 300 km/h, together with superior energy efficiency and zero-emission operation, Seaglider vessels are being developed as an innovative and sustainable transportation infrastructure solution for both passenger and cargo services, particularly for coastal city connections and regional island routes.”
MOL and JAL aim to develop new passenger and cargo transportation markets for Seaglider vessels. Lloyd’s Register 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, Lloyd’s Register will act as an independent third-party advisor, providing technical, safety, and regulatory guidance, while MOL and JAL, in collaboration with REGENT, aim to establish a framework for certification and approval processes in Japan and advance efforts toward the commercialization of Seaglider operations in Japan around 2030.
For more information
https://www.mol.co.jp/en/pr/2026/26039.html