Key facts
- Up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats will be deployed in the Maldives.
- A $100 million partnership between Navier and JIH Global Investment will fund the initiative.
- The boats use hydrofoil technology for smoother, quieter, and more comfortable travel.
- The new network aims to support the Maldives' goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2030.
- The vessels feature modern amenities like air-conditioned cabins and onboard Starlink internet.
The Maldives is set to significantly upgrade its inter-island transportation with the introduction of up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats. This initiative is part of a $100 million partnership between US maritime technology company Navier and Dubai-based JIH Global Investment to establish the "Navier Network."
The project aims to create a "software-driven sustainable maritime corridor" connecting airports, resorts, private villas, and local islands, offering travelers a faster, quieter, and more comfortable journey than current speedboat and ferry options.
The rollout will commence with five Navier N30 vessels later this year, with plans to expand the fleet by up to 95 additional boats over the subsequent three years. These vessels utilize hydrofoil technology, lifting the hull above the water to reduce drag, resulting in less noise, fewer vibrations, and a smaller wake.
Passengers can expect amenities such as air-conditioned cabins, lounge-style seating, and onboard Starlink internet. The boats have an electric range of up to 75 nautical miles, extendable to 150 nautical miles in hybrid mode.
This modernization is expected to have a substantial impact on tourism, as nearly all international travelers to the Maldives rely on boats or seaplanes. With approximately 3,000 fuel-powered vessels currently in operation, marine transport is a significant contributor to the country's carbon footprint. The new network is designed to support the Maldives' national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, as Navier claims the hydrofoil vessels consume less energy and produce lower emissions compared to conventional boats.