Egyptian company buys into Neom-backed seaglider

Regent

• UME first seaglider customer
• Maker Regent backed by Neom
• Due by end of decade

United Marine Egypt Shipping will be the launch customer for a large passenger seaglider that is designed to travel at high speeds over water. 

US maritime transport company Regent said UME will be the first to receive its Monarch seaglider.

The Monarch is a 50-to-100-passenger electric craft that Regent says will travel up to 650km at speeds of up to 225kp/h, within a wingspan of the water’s surface.

Seagliders are intended to combine the high speed of an aircraft with the moveability and low costs of boats. The all-electric hydrofoil vessels operate very close to the water when in full flight. The closeness to water creates a cushion of high-pressure air between the wings and surface, which reduces drag and increases lift.

Regent said the seagliders will supplement UME’s shipping network, connecting Red Sea destinations.

No details were given on the size or value of UME’s order for the Monarch. It has also placed an order for an undisclosed number of Regent’s smaller, 12-passenger Viceroy craft. 

“The partnership represents our shared commitment to innovation in the shipping industry with the potential to increase sustainability and efficiency,” said UME chairman Mohamed Badawy. 

The Monarch and Viceroy are under development and are expected to be in production by the end of the decade. UK classification society Lloyd’s Register will oversee the certification process. 

Boston-based startup Regent has secured some major support for its venture to date, raising $90 million from investors including 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, Japan Airlines and Lockheed Martin.

It has also secured backing from Abu Dhabi’s Strategic Development Funds and the Saudi Neom Investment Fund.

• Neom raises $24 billion from the private sector
• Egypt slashes renewables target to focus on natural gas
• Saudia prepares to launch electric jet service

Neom said the investment was part of a multi-year partnership to establish regional seaglider passenger operations. 

The seagliders will provide coastal transportation across Neom – both passenger and freight – connecting destinations along 468km of coastline, Neom said. 

Regent signed an agreement in April with Abu Dhabi Investment Office to establish a manufacturing facility in the emirate before the end of the decade at the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster in Masdar City. 

Regent also signed an agreement with the Department of Municipalities and Transportation to look at introducing a seagilder service to Delma Island and Sir Bani Yas Island.

It says the seagliders will give greater transport options for thousands of islanders who use flights and boats to access the mainland. 

Middle East courier Aramex has an agreement with Regent to develop seagliders for middle-mile logistics from ports to warehouses or distribution centres.