The all-electric vessels will hold 12 passengers could be in service by 2026
New all-electric maritime vessels will be trialled in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, with the aim of making travel on and off the islands ‘cleaner, faster and more reliable.’
Through a new partnership with the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), Regent Craft, the US-based developer of electric Seaglider vessels, is exploring how the underwater vehicles could support more efficient travel across Scotland.
With ageing ferry fleets and limited alternatives available in the region, this project aims to open the door to viable, zero-emission transport solutions. The collaboration between Regent and HITRANS will focus on data sharing and aim to explore how Seaglider craft could improve the country’s transportation network, benefiting people and the environment through ease of travel and reduction of CO2 emissions.
Regent’s 12-passenger Viceroy Seaglider could enter service between 2026 and 2027. The vessel holds up to 12 passengers plus two crew, operates exclusively over water, and traverses the sea in one of three modes: hull, hydrofoil, or flight in ground effect.
At 55ft long with a 65ft wingspan, the Viceroy Seaglider vessel will be the largest-ever all-electric flying machine. The all-electric vessel has significant environmental benefits when compared to other modes of transport, as well as improving journey times and lowering costs
Adam Triolo, VP of Commercial Business Development, Regent, said: “Regent’s Seaglider technology is an all-electric sustainable solution that could transform the way people transit this area of natural beauty. The HITRANS team are leading an important and innovative mission in the region, and we look forward to growing this partnership together.
“This is a hugely exciting prospect for transport in the Highlands and Islands. REGENT are bringing much needed innovation to coastal transportation which has the potential to transform how people travel across the Highlands and Islands in the future.
“We look forward to continuing to collaborate and help to realise the vision of Seaglider travel for the people of Scotland” said David Holden, Regional Sustainable Aviation Manager at HITRANS.
Seagliders are a novel type of maritime vessel that offer high-speed transportation to connect coastal communities. They are more efficient, convenient, comfortable, and affordable than existing means of transportation.
According to Regent: “With about 40% of the world’s population living near the coast, there’s a pressing need for solutions to quickly and efficiently connect coastal hubs.”
Seagliders are faster than ferries and reduce door-to-door time compared to air transportation, which requires passengers to add travel time to and from the airport and through security.
Not only do seagliders increase the accessibility and comfort of regional transportation options, but they also deliver on price. Low operations and maintenance costs – including simple design, fewer moving parts, and materials designed to operate in salt-water environments – translate to more affordable ticket prices for passengers.
