Scotland Authorities Eyeing Electric Sea Gliders to Replace Aging Ferries

Photo Credits: Regent Craft

Transport authorities in Scotland are considering the possibility of introducing electric sea gliders as a replacement for the aging ferries that are operating in the region. These electric sea gliders are under development by a start-up called Regent Craft, based in the United States. 

Earlier this month, the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), which is backed by the Scottish government, launched a partnership with the manufacturer that could lead to the 12-passenger Viceroy vessel being deployed on maritime connections to and from islands and other remote communities. 

HITRANS aims to explore the feasibility of how electric sea gliders might operate on routes connecting the Western Isles, the Orkney Islands, and parts of the Highland, Moray, Argyll and Bute. 

Regent Craft aims to start commencing the delivery of the Viceroy from 2027 after all the certifications and compliances have been done with the maritime authorities. The Viceroy boasts a wingspan of about 65 feet, and it is designed to operate in wing-in-ground effect mode while remaining barely a few feet above water at speeds of up to 160 knots. 

The Viceroy is the one of the first steps in this direction, Regent Craft aims to create a larger sea glider which they terming as the Monarch which can carry as many as 100 passengers. 

In the longer run, the company is also planning to introduce a military version of the Viceroy that could operate autonomously for possible Navy and Marine missions.