Lloyd's Register (LR), a global professional services group specialising in providing expert assistance to marine engineering and technology providers, is to provide certification and advisory services for Regent's 12 passenger Viceroy seagliders.

"Regent's dedication to safe and sustainable solutions is providing the maritime industry with innovative zero-emissions passenger vessel seagliders that could transform the future of coastal travel," says COO Mark Darley. "LR is excited to join with Regent to proactively set international certification standards for new maritime transportation as the industry evolves."

"LR's certification marks significant progress in Regent's compliance pathway toward maritime operations," adds Ted Lester, VP certification, Regent. "LR's expertise in classification and compliance services, as well as its commitment to safety and advancing the path to net-zero emissions, make it an ideal partner for ensuring seagliders meet required global standards now and in the future."

Regent's all-electric seagliders represent the latest technology in maritime vessels that drastically reduce the time and cost of transporting people and goods between coastal destinations.

The hydrofoiling wing-in-ground craft brings together advanced modern technology from multiple industries, including electric propulsion, hydrofoils, modern vehicle controls and fly-by-wire systems, to revolutionise capabilities, providing wave tolerance, safe operations and passenger comfort.

Taking a risk-based approach in the absence of existing rules and regulations, LR will support Regent through the maritime certification process, including advancing its design basis agreement with the US Coast Guard and defining the certification pathway for non-US seagliders. This process and the engineering data derived from this partnership will help define LR rules for future wing-in-ground vessels, including Regent's 100 passenger Monarch seaglider.

Regent aims to launch a seaglider prototype this year, with vehicles to market by mid-decade.