REGENT and DHL Express Seal Strategic Agreement to Advance Sustainable Cargo Logistics
REGENT Craft, the developer of next-generation all-electric Seaglider vessels, has signed a strategic MoU with DHL Express to evaluate the deployment of Seaglider technology for sustainable short-haul, coastal, and island cargo operations.
The agreement was formalized at the Dubai Airshow 2025 at the Strategic Development Fund’s (SDF) stand, where SDF — REGENT’s strategic investor — hosted the announcement.
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The collaboration focuses on integrating REGENT’s high-speed, zero-emission Seaglider vessels into DHL’s regional logistics network, beginning with the Middle East and expanding to additional markets.
The initiative marks a major step toward shaping the future of environmentally responsible cargo mobility.
Partnership to Begin in 2026
Starting January 2026, DHL Express will begin assessing operational use cases for Seaglider vessels across regional and coastal routes. The objective is to enhance cargo movement efficiency while cutting emissions and complementing DHL’s broader decarbonization strategy.
REGENT’s Seaglider, a wing-in-ground effect craft, delivers aircraft-like speeds with the ease of marine operations — a combination that could transform coastal logistics.
REGENT CEO and Co-founder Billy Thalheimer said the partnership “marks another important milestone as we build a more sustainable and connected global logistics ecosystem,” adding that Seaglider vessels will help “enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and connect key trade routes across the Middle East and beyond.”
Bachi Spiga, VP Network Operations, DHL Express MENA, emphasized DHL’s commitment to innovation and decarbonization: “REGENT’s all-electric Seaglider represents a transformative step forward in sustainable maritime transport. Through this partnership, we aim to explore how this technology can enhance our regional and global operations — starting here in the Middle East.”
Strengthening Regional Manufacturing and Industrial Capability
REGENT and SDF have previously launched a joint venture to manufacture Seaglider vessels in the UAE, complementing REGENT’s primary production facility in Rhode Island, USA.
The UAE-based manufacturing hub will also manage aftermarket support — including maintenance and parts distribution — reinforcing the country’s local industrial base and maritime capabilities.
This partnership builds on REGENT’s expanding footprint in the region. Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre signed an MoU with REGENT in 2024, and in early 2025, ADNOC L&S selected the Seaglider vessel for a proof-of-concept trial to evaluate its suitability for offshore personnel transport.
About REGENT
REGENT is pioneering advanced maritime mobility through its Seaglider™ vessels — high-speed, hydrofoiling, wing-in-ground effect craft operating just above the water surface.
The company has secured more than $10 billion in commercial orders globally and $15 million in U.S. Marine Corps contracts, supported by over $100 million in investment from major global firms including 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, Japan Airlines, and Lockheed Martin.
About DHL
DHL is the global leader in logistics, providing an extensive range of services across parcel delivery, e-commerce, express transport, freight solutions, and supply chain management.
With roughly 400,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories, DHL delivers secure, reliable global trade flows and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
About Strategic Development Fund (SDF)
Established in 2019 and owned by EDGE Group, SDF invests in strategic technologies and industrial sectors to strengthen the UAE’s economic and industrial growth.
Through private equity, greenfield, venture capital, and venture debt programs, SDF supports domestic and international companies while enabling long-term sustainable value creation in the UAE.
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