REGENT and DHL Express Sign Agreement for Sustainable Cargo Logistics
- REGENT Craft and DHL Express sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore deployment of all-electric Seaglider vessels for sustainable cargo transport.
- The partnership will assess the integration of Seaglider technology into DHL’s regional and coastal logistics operations across the Middle East.
- REGENT signed the MoU with DHL at the Strategic Development Fund’s (SDF) stand – S34 - during the Dubai Airshow 2025, where SDF - REGENT’s strategic investor - hosted the announcement.
Dubai, UAE, November 19, 2025 — REGENT Craft, the developer and manufacturer of all-electric Seaglider vessels, and DHL Express have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the use of electric Seaglider vessels for short haul, coastal, and island logistics, at the Dubai Airshow today.
REGENT’s Seaglider vessel, a next-generation maritime craft, combines the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat, offering high-speed, zero-emission transport. Through this partnership, REGENT and the global leader in international express delivery will work together to assess the potential integration of REGENT’s Seaglider vessels into DHL’s existing logistics network to extend the capabilities of its regional and coastal cargo operations.
The partnership, set to begin in January 2026, will see DHL Express explore deployment opportunities for the Seaglider vessels in the Middle East initially, followed by other key markets to pave the way for a more sustainable future of logistics.
Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO of REGENT, said: “This collaboration marks another important milestone as we build a more sustainable and connected global logistics ecosystem. Partnering with a global logistics pioneer like DHL allows us to demonstrate how Seaglider vessels can enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and connect key trade routes across the Middle East and beyond.”
Bachi Spiga, VP Network Operations, DHL Express Middle East and North Africa, said: “At DHL Express, we are constantly exploring innovative solutions that can help us decarbonize logistics while improving efficiency and service for our customers. 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, one of the world’s most dynamic logistics hubs.”
REGENT and SDF previously announced a joint venture that will manufacture REGENT’s Seaglider vessels in the UAE in addition to its manufacturing facility in Rhode Island. The joint venture will also provide aftermarket services such as maintenance, and parts distribution, boosting local manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the UAE’s industrial base.
The partnership builds on REGENT’s work in the Middle East region, with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre having signed an MoU with REGENT in 2024, and ADNOC L&S selecting the Seaglider vessel for a proof-of-concept trial to assess the craft’s suitability for transporting personnel to and from offshore energy infrastructure earlier in 2025.
About REGENT
REGENT is pioneering the future of maritime mobility through the development and manufacturing of SeagliderTM vessels, high-speed hydrofoiling wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft that operate over the water within a wingspan of the surface, combining the speed of an aircraft with the convenience of a boat. A dual use company based in Rhode Island, U.S., REGENT has secured global commercial orders valued at more than $10 billion from leading airline and ferry operators around the world, as well as $15 million in contracts with the U.S. Marine Corps. REGENT has raised more than $100 million from investors including 8090 Industries, Founders Fund, Japan Airlines, and Lockheed Martin. Learn more at www.regentcraft.com
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
For further information please contact: REGENT Craft Press Team regent@boldspace.com or DHL Group Media Relations MENA ragah.dorenkamp@dhl.com
About Strategic Development Fund
Strategic Development Fund(SDF), established in Abu Dhabi in 2019 and wholly owned by EDGE Group, isfocused on investing in specific strategic technology and industrial sectors towards fostering economic and industrial growth in the UAE while achieving financial return. It invests in businesses and partnerships through private equity, greenfield and venture capital investments locally and internationally.In addition, through its Venture Debt Program, SDF provides developmental funding aimed at the UAE’s private sector SME’s to contribute towards economic development through sustainable growth and in-country value creation.