The maritime industry is no stranger to innovation, but the latest entrant from Rhode Island start-up Regent Craft is turning heads—and not just for its sleek design. The Viceroy seaglider, a hybrid sea-air transport, is pushing boundaries in both civilian and defense sectors, sparking debate about the future of maritime logistics and military mobility.
The Viceroy operates on a principle called the “wing-in-ground effect,” flying just above the water’s surface at speeds up to 180 mph with a range of 180 miles. It’s not a seaplane, not a hovercraft—it’s something entirely new. This isn’t just a novelty; the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab has taken notice, awarding Regent a $10 million contract to explore its potential for maritime logistics, casualty evacuation, and defense operations. As Regent’s data analytics manager, Estefy Castillo Villarreal, put it, “seagliders are a versatile platform that can be adapted to multiple mission sets, including cargo transport, emergency response, offshore energy logistics, and defense operations.”
But what does this mean for the maritime industry? For starters, it challenges the status quo of how we think about vessel design and propulsion. The Viceroy isn’t just another electric vehicle—it’s a multi-domain transport, blurring the lines between sea and air. This could redefine efficiency in maritime logistics, especially in coastal or offshore operations where speed and agility are critical. Imagine a future where supply chains aren’t constrained by traditional shipping lanes or aircraft range. The Viceroy’s ability to operate in both domains could unlock new efficiencies, particularly in emergency response or military logistics.
Yet, practicality remains a question. While the technology is impressive, scaling it for widespread commercial use is another challenge. The Viceroy’s range and payload capacity are limited compared to traditional maritime vessels, and its operational costs—especially in defense applications—could be prohibitive. Still, the fact that a start-up like Regent is securing defense contracts signals a shift in how militaries are approaching innovation. Traditional defense contractors are no longer the sole source of cutting-edge technology; agile start-ups are stepping in, offering fresh perspectives and rapid prototyping.
For the maritime industry, this is a wake-up call. The Viceroy isn’t just a transport innovation—it’s a testament to how start-ups are reshaping sectors once dominated by established players. The question now is whether traditional maritime companies will adapt by embracing similar agility and risk-taking. The Viceroy may not be the final answer, but it’s a bold step toward reimagining what maritime transport can achieve.