Aramex, the Middle East’s largest courier company, has teamed with US maritime transport firm Regent to develop a fleet of electric seagliders to transport goods from ports to warehouses and distribution centers.

The Regent-built seagliders combine an aircraft’s speed with a boat’s practicality and convenience. Built to serve island and coastal communities, the hybrid craft will carry people and cargo up to 290 km using sustainable battery technology.

“We are keen to enhance our capabilities to move packages efficiently and effectively over sea routes, given the expansion and development of coastal cities within our core region. [The electric seagliders] complete the trifecta of air, sea, and land for our future vehicle program development,” explained Angad Singh, global director for innovation at Aramex.

The Aramex and Regent partnership is facilitated through the UAE’s Strategic Development Fund and aims to explore opportunities in the Middle East and other important markets.

The two companies will identify potential “middle-mile” routes on which seagliders can move cargo from ports to nearby distribution hubs. The scheme aims to offer a cleaner and more efficient alternative to existing logistics options.

Demand for sustainable logistics is rising, with 75% of transport companies actively searching for environmentally friendly shipping options in a bid to lower carbon footprints and keep trade flowing.

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According to Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and chief executive of Regent, middle-mile logistics is a “large, untapped opportunity for sustainable innovation,” and the partnership will “unlock new economic potential”.

Last month, Aramex announced a massive 76% drop in third-quarter profits amid continued worldwide economic challenges, soaring interest rates, and currency fluctuations. Shares owned by equity holders for the three months to the end of September 2023 are now valued at around $2.6 million.