Abu Dhabi Spearheads Marine Transportation Innovation with REGENT's Electric Seaglider Hub
Abu Dhabi's focus on marine transportation innovation takes a significant leap forward as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) partners with REGENT, a leader in electric seaglider technology. This partnership, announced during the DRIFTx event at Yas Marina Circuit, underscores both parties' commitment to redefining coastal mobility.
A $9 billion investment in REGENT Craft is poised to revolutionize coastal logistics and passenger transportation in the UAE.
REGENT's new seaglider hub in Abu Dhabi will enhance global mobility. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with REGENT, a pioneering electric seaglider developer, to push forward the future of coastal transportation in the Masdar City Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster.
REGENT’s seagliders, capable of covering up to 180 miles (300 km) with current battery technology and potentially up to 500 miles (800 km) with future improvements, aim to revolutionize travel between coastal cities. These electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles merge the speed of an airplane with the affordability and ease of access of a boat, providing a sustainable alternative that operates close to the water's surface.
Enhancing UAE and International Operations The partnership was formalized during the DRIFTx event at Yas Marina Circuit, aligning with REGENT's global expansion strategies. REGENT plans to utilize its $9 billion order book to improve the speed and cost-effectiveness of moving goods and people. Abu Dhabi's SAVI cluster will offer advanced facilities and a supportive regulatory framework, helping REGENT to expand its operations worldwide from this new regional base. ADIO’s backing of REGENT highlights Abu Dhabi’s dedication to promoting innovative transportation solutions that can cater to global needs.
Plans for a pilot operation are in the works, with goals to start local seaglider production by the end of the decade.
Promoting Future Mobility and Innovation This initiative is set to boost the local economy by creating jobs and developing the supply chain, placing Abu Dhabi at the cutting edge of disruptive mobility technology.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, expressed confidence in the transformative impact of electric seagliders on global coastal transportation. He stated, "Abu Dhabi is poised to lead this innovative surge in mobility, fundamentally changing how we connect the world’s coastal regions." Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of REGENT, highlighted the strategic importance of the SAVI cluster in addressing the growing demand in the Gulf, Red Sea, Indo-Pacific, and European markets.
About SAVI:
The Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, established in October 2023 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), represents a significant development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for smart mobility. Situated in Masdar City, a pioneer in sustainable development and a hub for research and development, SAVI is dedicated to fostering innovation and the commercialization of smart and autonomous vehicle technologies across air, land, and sea applications.
About REGENT Craft
REGENT Craft is revolutionizing coastal travel with its all-electric seagliders, designed for high-speed, zero-emission transportation just meters above the water's surface. These wing-in-ground-effect vehicles integrate the speed of airplanes with the operational economy of boats and adhere to stringent safety standards. Capable of covering routes up to 180 miles at speeds of 180 mph using existing battery technology, and potentially up to 500 miles with future battery advancements, REGENT's seagliders also utilize existing dock infrastructure, simplifying integration into current transportation systems.
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