ADNOC Logistics and Services (ADNOC L&S), part of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has partnered with an Abu Dhabi seaglider operator to introduce REGENT seagliders into its fleet for passenger transportation.
ADNOC L&S will use the all-electric seagliders to transport people to and from offshore energy infrastructure, enhancing offshore logistics. REGENT’s Viceroy seaglider, which can carry 12 passengers or 3,500lbs (1,600kg) of payload, offers multiple efficiencies for the offshore energy logistics industry overall.
Fast Commutes
Seaglider commute times are reportedly comparable with helicopters while offering a greater speed advantage compared to equivalent maritime transportation options.
The seaglider’s innovative design enables the vessel to operate in three modes – floating at the dock, foiling in harbors, and flying over open waters – providing convenience and comfort at high speeds, up to 180 mph (300kph) for routes up to 180 miles (300 km).
Low Costs
Seagliders are projected to reduce direct operational costs compared to helicopters with similar capabilities, including lower operational and maintenance costs, as well as lower costs for training operators. A full suite of sensors provides situational awareness, and heavily automated controls facilitate intuitive operations by specially trained maritime captains.
Zero Emissions
The seaglider is an all-electric transportation solution. If seagliders were to replace all helicopters used for global offshore energy logistics, it would allegedly result in up to 550MM kg of CO2e offsets per year.
ADNOC L&S’s selection of REGENT seagliders for offshore energy logistics reflects growing momentum for seagliders in the UAE, and builds on existing collaborations with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transportation (DOT).
Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO, REGENT, commented, “REGENT could ask for no better end user for seagliders in UAE than the largest energy producer in the country and leader in innovation and sustainability. Seagliders will drastically reduce the time, cost, and emissions of offshore energy logistics, and we look forward to working together to set a new standard for the energy industry.”
