
MOL and JAL to develop certification pathway for Seaglider vessels in Japan
High-speedMitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have entered an agreement with Lloyd's Register and REGENT Craft Inc. to jointly develop certification and operational approval processes for REGENT's fully electric Seaglider vessels in Japan.
Seaglider vessels are wing-in-ground (WIG) craft that operate a few metres above water using ground effect, designed to deliver high-speed transportation at speeds of up to 300 km/h with zero-emission operation. The vessels are being developed as an innovative sustainable solution for passenger and cargo services on coastal city connections and regional island routes.
This marks the first collaboration in Japan with a classification society toward commercialising Seaglider vessels. Lloyd's Register will serve as an independent third-party advisor, providing technical, safety, and regulatory guidance, whilst MOL and JAL will combine their operational expertise with REGENT's technological capabilities to establish a comprehensive framework for certification and approval in Japan.
Commercial operations are targeted around 2030. MOL will advance efforts to engage relevant government authorities in support of commercialisation.
REGENT claim to have secured global commercial orders valued at more than USD 10 billion from leading airline and ferry operators worldwide, and USD 15 million in contracts with the U.S. Marine Corps. Both MOL and JAL have previously invested in the Rhode Island-based developer.
© Shippax
jun 11 2026
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