Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Japan Airlines have entered an agreement with Lloyd's Register and U.S.-based REGENT Craft to jointly develop a certification and operational approval process for Regent's all-electric "Sea Glider" ground effect vehicle, aiming to facilitate its commercial deployment in Japan.
This collaboration marks the first time a classification society in Japan has been involved to support the commercialization of the Sea Glider vehicle.
The Sea Glider is an all-electric wing-in-ground-effect craft that flies just meters above the water's surface by leveraging the ground effect. It is designed to transport passengers and cargo at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour while operating with zero emissions.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Japan Airlines stated their goal is to open new passenger and cargo markets for the Sea Glider. They plan to combine their operational expertise with Regent's technology to support a safe and reliable deployment.
Under the agreement, Lloyd's Register, which is already working with Regent on the Sea Glider's certification outside the United States, will serve as an independent third-party advisor, providing technical, safety, and regulatory guidance.
The four parties will work together to establish a framework for certification and approval processes in Japan. Concurrently, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines will also engage with relevant government authorities to advance the goal of commercializing the Sea Glider around 2030.
Ted Lester, Vice President of Certification at REGENT Craft, said, "Bringing Sea Glider operations to Japan is a landmark moment for Regent and the future of coastal transportation. Establishing a clear certification pathway in Japan is a foundational step to achieving commercial deployment, and we are fortunate to have such strong partners alongside us to accomplish this work."
"Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Japan Airlines, and Lloyd's Register each bring deep expertise in safety, certification, and operations. Together, we will work to turn the vision of Sea Glider technology into reality in one of the world's most important maritime markets," Lester added.
Ryota Hayashi, General Manager of the Energy Business Strategy Division at Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, commented, "This collaboration is a significant step in expanding the market for the Sea Glider. We plan to combine the professional experience of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Japan Airlines in safe and reliable maritime and air operations with Regent's innovative technology and Lloyd's Register's certification capabilities to pave the way for the Sea Glider's operational entry into Japan."
"We believe this initiative will create new opportunities for passenger and cargo transport and contribute to building a sustainable and advanced transportation network," Hayashi concluded.
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