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Jun 17, 20261
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Maldives to Launch World's First Full Electric Hydrofoil Boat Network
The Maldives is launching the world's first full electric hydrofoil boat network through a $100 million partnership between Navier and JIH Global Investment. Starting with five vessels later in 2026 and expanding to 100 boats within three years, the fleet will provide eco-friendly, luxury transport between islands while supporting the nation's 2030 carbon neutrality goal.
Quick Facts
Who
Navier (California-based maritime technology company)
What
Introduction of electric hydrofoil boats
When
Later in 2026 (rollout begins)
Where
Maldives archipelago
- Introduction of electric hydrofoil boats
- Fleet expansion from 5 to 100 vessels
- Creation of transport network connecting airport and resorts
- Technology uses underwater blades to lift hull above water
- Reduces drag, noise, and fuel consumption
The Maldives is set to become home to the world's first full electric hydrofoil transport network, combining sustainability with luxury travel. Electric hydrofoil boats use wing-like underwater blades to lift the hull above the water as they accelerate, significantly reducing drag, noise, and energy consumption compared to conventional speedboats. The technology offers passengers a distinctive 'flying' sensation while traveling between islands, complete with air-conditioned cabins, lounge-style seating, Starlink satellite internet, and digital booking systems.
The project is backed by a $100 million partnership between California-based maritime technology company Navier and Dubai investment group JIH Global Investment. The rollout is scheduled to begin later in 2026 with five vessels, expanding to up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats over three years. The fleet will connect Velana International Airport with luxury resorts, private islands, local communities, and villas across the archipelago, with each vessel capable of up to 75 nautical miles of all-electric range.
The initiative addresses a pressing need in the Maldives' tourism infrastructure. The island nation, which welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors in 2025, currently operates approximately 3,000 petrol-powered boats for inter-island transport. Nearly every resort occupies its own private island, making boat or seaplane transport essential for guest transfers. The shift to electric hydrofoils aligns with the Maldives' goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Beyond environmental benefits, hydrofoils offer operational advantages. By lifting the hull above water, they consume significantly less energy than conventional boats while producing minimal wake and eliminating fuel fumes for passengers and crew. This translates to lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. Mohamed Ali Janah, Chairman of JIH Global Investment, described the project as establishing "a scalable blueprint for sustainable maritime transportation, extending beyond the Maldives to island nations and coastal cities around the world."
Navier founder and CEO Sampriti Bhattacharyya positioned the fleet as the world's first "sustainable luxury transportation network." The company has identified additional potential deployment locations, including Miami, New York, San Francisco Bay, Nantucket, and the Hamptons, suggesting the technology could reshape waterborne transportation in other tourism and coastal destinations globally.
Why This Matters
This breakthrough positions the Maldives as a global leader in sustainable maritime innovation while addressing a critical infrastructure challenge for island tourism. With 2.2 million annual visitors requiring inter-island transport, the shift from 3,000 petrol-powered boats to electric hydrofoils directly reduces the nation's carbon footprint and operating costs. The scalable model demonstrates commercial viability for coastal destinations worldwide, potentially revolutionizing how tourists and residents travel in vulnerable island economies dependent on marine transport.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2025
WireMaldives welcomed over 2.2 million visitors; 3,000 petrol-powered boats operating
Jan 1, 2030
WireTarget for Maldives to achieve carbon neutrality