US-based Sea Cheetah Corporation and France-based hydrogen solutions expert H3 Dynamics, a winner of the Monaco Prize for Innovation in Renewable Hydrogen and Transportation, are to jointly develop the world's first hydrogen-electric wing-in ground effect vessel and an eco-system of fuelling points.

Sea Cheetah provides a transportation ecosystem centred around its wing-in ground effect (WIGE) vessel, which leverages proven technology to travel in and outside of ground effect at speeds exceeding 135 knots (250kph/155mph). Flying a few metres above water, Sea Cheetah vessels connect coastal and island regions at a fraction of the time and cost of existing maritime transportation. Sea Cheetah stands out through its unmatched payload capacity and extended operating range.

Although the Sea Cheetah WIGE looks like an aircraft, it will be classified and operated as a marine vessel. This distinction significantly impacts the certification process and time to market. Since the FAA only regulates vehicles flying above 50 feet, WIGE vessels fall outside its jurisdiction. The company is collaborating with the US Coast Guard and other national maritime organisations to certify the vessels in accordance with the International Maritime Organisation WIGE ship classification as of 18 May, 2018 (MSC1/Circ 1592).

By working closely with H3 Dynamics, Sea Cheetah will boost its hydrogen-electric propulsion system capability and achieve a fuel economy far beyond fossil powered systems.

“Our hybrid hydrogen-powered powertrain enables Sea Cheetah's WIGE vessels to achieve range and payload capacities that were not possible before with batteries, creating more applications and usability for such vessels in different parts of the world,” says H3 Dynamics CEO Taras Wankewycz.

The partnership will also deploy small, decentralised green hydrogen production systems named Sea Cheetah H2Hub and H2Hub Micro modules to support rapid fuelling and quick vessel turnaround.

“By combining our two companies’ advanced technologies into one platform, Sea Cheetah vessels will now be able to carry three times more payload than competing air and watercraft, be 10 times faster than boats and be 10 times more fuel efficient than aircraft,” states Serge Markoff, founder and CEO of Sea Cheetah.