Scotland’s Highlands and Islands regional transport partnership is to explore whether the ‘seaglider’ concept could apply to inter-island travel.

US-based Regent Craft has been advocating a proposal for an electric seaglider – a vehicle which uses ground effect to achieve overwater transit.

Highlands and Islands transport partnership HITrans is to investigate whether such vehicles could support its network.

“This is a hugely exciting prospect for transport in the Highlands and Islands,” says HITrans regional sustainable aviation manager David Holden.

He says the innovation could “transform” coastal transportation.

HITrans says the collaboration will “focus on data sharing” to examine how seagliders could benefit the region.

Regent is developing the Viceroy seaglider which, it says, will accommodate a crew of two plus 12 passengers.

It would transition from hull operations, like a ship, to hydrofoil, to flight using ground effect. The all-electric Viceroy would have a 65ft wingspan – featuring 12 propulsion units – and a length of 55ft.

Regent Craft highlights the “ageing” ferries used in the area, and has proposed a seaglider trial in Orkney and Shetland, off the northern coast of Scotland.

“Our work with HITrans is an exciting opportunity to showcase to Scotland and the highlands communities the potential human and environmental benefits seaglider vessels could have on coastal transportation,” says vice-president of commercial business development Adam Triolo.