Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has signed a joint development agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL), Lloyd’s Register, and REGENT Craft Inc. to establish certification and operational approval processes for REGENT’s fully electric “Seaglider” vessels, paving the way for their commercial deployment in Japan by around 2030.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the introduction of Seagliders, a new category of high-speed, zero-emission transport vehicles that combine features of both maritime vessels and aircraft. Classified as Wing-in-Ground (WIG) crafts, Seagliders operate just a few meters above the sea surface, utilizing the aerodynamic “ground effect” to achieve efficient and stable flight.
Designed to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, Seagliders offer a sustainable alternative for coastal passenger and cargo transportation. Powered entirely by electricity, the vessels are expected to significantly reduce emissions while providing rapid connectivity between coastal cities and island communities.
Under the joint development project, Lloyd’s Register will serve as an independent third-party advisor, offering technical, safety, and regulatory guidance to support the certification framework. MOL and JAL will contribute their extensive experience in safe maritime and aviation operations, while REGENT will provide the technological expertise behind the Seaglider platform.
The partners will work together to establish operational standards, safety procedures, and regulatory pathways necessary for commercial deployment. In addition to passenger transport, the initiative will explore opportunities in high-speed coastal cargo logistics, creating new transportation markets in Japan.
MOL said the project aligns with its broader strategy to support innovative and environmentally sustainable transportation solutions. By combining maritime, aviation, and regulatory expertise, the four organizations aim to create a foundation for next-generation mobility services and contribute to Japan’s decarbonization goals.
The commercialization of Seaglider operations is expected to open new possibilities for regional connectivity, offering fast, energy-efficient transport while reducing the environmental impact of conventional marine and air transport services.
