UAE: ADNOC Logistics and Services has launched a trial of REGENT’s electric seaglider ‘Viceroy’, aiming to revolutionise offshore personnel transport with speeds up to 300 km/h and cut operational costs and emissions by 80%, supporting the nation’s Net Zero by 2045 ambitions and enhancing local manufacturing.
ADNOC Logistics and Services has embarked on an ambitious project that could redefine maritime transport in the UAE. In an era that increasingly prioritises sustainability, the company has selected REGENT’s electric seaglider for a proof-of-concept trial aimed at revolutionising the transport of personnel to and from offshore energy infrastructure. This initiative was announced at the ongoing “Make it in the Emirates” event, highlighting ADNOC’s commitment to innovating within the local economy.
The seaglider, aptly named ‘Viceroy,’ represents a significant leap forward. Combining the speed of an aircraft with the operational flexibility of a boat, this all-electric vehicle can carry up to 12 passengers or 1,600 kilograms of cargo while achieving remarkable speeds of up to 300 km/h (180 mph). It offers versatility with three operational modes: floating, foiling, and flying. These modes not only enhance performance but also contribute to a substantial reduction in operational costs—by up to 80% compared to traditional helicopters.
Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S, emphasised the importance of this trial, stating, “ADNOC L&S is committed to adopting innovative technologies that enhance the safety, sustainability and efficiency of our operations.” He further noted that this initiative marks a significant milestone in their journey to decarbonise offshore logistics. With the UAE’s strategic push towards sustainability and industrial growth, the trial of seagliders aligns perfectly with the country’s broader Net Zero by 2045 ambition.
Beyond providing a potential solution for offshore logistics, the partnership with REGENT supports local manufacturing initiatives. REGENT plans to produce the seagliders within the UAE and offer aftermarket services, thus enhancing local capabilities and establishing the region as a hub for advanced maritime innovation. Such developments not only contribute to economic diversification but also bolster the UAE’s reputation in high-tech manufacturing.
Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO of REGENT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, recognising ADNOC as an ideal partner in their mission to set new standards within the energy industry. He remarked, “Seagliders will drastically reduce the time, cost, and emissions of offshore energy logistics.” This sentiment underscores a mutual commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of efficiency and environmental impact in maritime operations.
As transportation technology evolves, ADNOC L&S’s integration of electric seagliders into its fleet could represent a significant turning point, challenging traditional methods and paving the way for more sustainable practices in offshore energy logistics. With the UAE focusing on fostering innovation and sustainability, the successful execution of this trial could lead to broader applications and a transformative impact on the region’s transport landscape.
The increasing global focus on reducing carbon emissions positions the UAE as a potential leader in navigating the future of offshore logistics. By investing in advanced technologies such as the seaglider, ADNOC is not only enhancing its operational efficiency but also contributing positively to the larger objective of a sustainable future, an ambition that resonates widely in today’s climate-conscious world.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/adnoc-ls-to-trial-300kmph-seaglider-journeys-in-uae – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.regentcraft.com/seagliders/viceroy – REGENT’s Viceroy seaglider is an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle designed for high-speed maritime transport. It can carry up to 12 passengers or 1,600 kg of cargo, achieving speeds up to 300 km/h (180 mph) over distances up to 300 km. The seaglider operates in three modes: floating, foiling, and flying, offering versatility and efficiency for offshore logistics.
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/28/3016721/0/en/ADNOC-L-S-Selects-REGENT-Seagliders-for-Offshore-Energy-Logistics-in-the-UAE.html – ADNOC Logistics and Services (ADNOC L&S) has partnered with an Abu Dhabi-based seaglider operator to integrate REGENT’s electric seagliders into its fleet for offshore energy logistics. This collaboration aims to provide high-speed, zero-emission transport for personnel to and from offshore energy infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in maritime transportation.
- https://maritimetechnologyreview.com/2025/01/29/adnoc-l-s-partners-with-regent-to-revolutionize-offshore-logistics/ – ADNOC L&S has teamed up with an Abu Dhabi seaglider operator to incorporate REGENT’s seagliders into its fleet, marking a significant advancement in offshore energy logistics. These all-electric vessels offer speeds comparable to helicopters and over 70% faster than traditional crew transfer vessels, operating at up to 180 mph (300 km/h) for routes up to 180 miles (300 km).
- https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/adnoc-l-s-selects-seagliders-for-offshore-energy-logistics-in-the-uae – ADNOC L&S has partnered with an Abu Dhabi seaglider operator to introduce REGENT’s seagliders into its fleet for offshore operations. The seagliders are designed to operate at speeds up to 180 mph (300 km/h) and have a range of up to 180 miles (300 km), offering a more efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional crew transfer vessels.
- https://www.marinelink.com/news/adnoc-opts-for-seagliders-offshore-energy-521639 – ADNOC L&S has partnered with an Abu Dhabi seaglider operator to introduce REGENT’s seagliders into its fleet for offshore energy logistics services. The seagliders will provide high-speed, zero-emission transport of passengers to and from offshore energy infrastructure, representing an innovative solution to increase efficiency in maritime transportation and advance the energy transition.
- https://www.oedigital.com/news/521639-adnoc-opts-for-seagliders-for-offshore-energy-crew-transportation – ADNOC L&S has partnered with an Abu Dhabi seaglider operator to introduce REGENT’s seagliders into its fleet for offshore energy logistics services. The seagliders will provide high-speed, zero-emission transport of passengers to and from offshore energy infrastructure, representing an innovative solution to increase efficiency in maritime transportation and advance the energy transition.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative details a current proof-of-concept trial announced at the ongoing ‘Make it in the Emirates’ event, indicating recent developments. There is no indication of outdated references such as personnel changes or superseded data. No evidence of recycling from older articles was found, suggesting the content is fresh and timely.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes from ADNOC L&S CEO Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi and REGENT CEO Billy Thalheimer appear original to this report. No earlier identical references to these statements were found online, implying the quotes are likely fresh and authentic from the event.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Arabian Business, a regionally recognised publication specialising in Middle East business news. While reputable within its niche, it is less internationally prominent compared to global outlets like Reuters or BBC but generally credible for local industry news.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The described technology—a high-speed electric seaglider trial for offshore logistics by ADNOC—is plausible given current trends toward decarbonisation and innovation in maritime transport. The specifics align with UAE’s strategic sustainability goals and industrial capacity. No claims appear exaggerated or unverifiable at this time.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents fresh, plausible information with original quotes and no signs of recycled content. It comes from a generally reliable regional publication and details a realistic technological trial aligned with current UAE initiatives, supporting a strong confidence in the accuracy and timeliness of the information.
