06.25.2024
MOL Switch announces the investment in Regent Craft
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Palo Alto, CA, June 25, 2024 – MOL Switch LLC, a US based corporate venture capital firm that is part of Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), announced today a strategic investment in REGENT, the manufacturer of all-electric seagliders for sustainable maritime mobility. The investment will support REGENT bringing seagliders to market in Japan and in coastal destinations around the globe.
REGENT seagliders provide efficient, sustainable options to augment coastal transportation ecosystems. The hydrofoiling wing-in-ground-effect vessel leverages existing dock infrastructure to carry people and goods over water up to 180 miles between coastal destinations – all with zero emissions.
“This strategic partnership marks a significant step forward for seaglider market adoption in Japan. Having MOL as a maritime champion for seaglider technology underlines REGENT’s market-leading traction in the country and paves the way to bring our high-speed, all-electric transportation solutions to coastal communities.” — Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO, REGENT
Advancing maritime innovation
REGENT is the first to unlock the commercial viability of ground-effect vehicles, combining the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat.
“REGENT’s pioneering technology and commitment to sustainability align with MOL’s core mission to apply innovative technology and services to advance environmental conservation. The partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring safe transportation and building a sustainable future.” — Tomoaki Ichida, CEO, MOL Switch LLC
The Seaglider will be equipped with the world's best and most advanced mobility batteries, and MOL Switch will explore the possibility of future battery-powered large ocean-going vessels by monitoring the Seaglider's cutting-edge battery-for-mobility technology trends.
About REGENT
REGENT is pioneering the future of sustainable maritime mobility through the development and manufacturing of all-electric seagliders. Seagliders are a new category of vehicle that combine the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat to deliver an affordable and efficient mode of transportation between coastal destinations.
REGENT’s flagship seaglider, Viceroy, is a 12-passenger vehicle that travels at 180mph to service routes up to 180 miles on a single charge. REGENT has already secured more than 600 seaglider orders valued at more than $9 billion from leading airline and ferry operators around the world and has raised more than $90 million from investors including 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, Japan Airlines, and Lockheed Martin.