A New Maritime Dawn: Qatari Investment Fuels the Future of Zero-Emission “Flying” Electric Yachts
- Luxe magazine Switzerland
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
A New Maritime Dawn: Qatari Investment Fuels the Future of Zero-Emission “Flying” Electric Yachts
By Patricia Holdener
In a groundbreaking move that could reshape urban water mobility, Al Masdar Investment, chaired by Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, has acquired a 63% controlling stake in Tyde GmbH, the German pioneer behind BMW-collaborated electric hydrofoil yachts.
Tyde, renowned for its revolutionary vessels The Icon and The Open, harnesses hydrofoil technology to glide above water with minimal energy consumption. The investment marks a decisive leap from prototype innovation to global deployment, targeting luxury, commercial, and urban marine mobility markets particularly in the Middle East.
Redefining Eco-Marine Luxury
At the core of Tyde’s technology lies a profound commitment to sustainability. Its hydrofoil system reduces energy use by up to 80% and cuts greenhouse-gas emissions by more than 90%, delivering a serene, vibration-free experience that defies traditional boating.
The 43-foot Icon, co-developed with BMW, is powered by twin 100 kW electric motors and leverages repurposed BMW i3 battery packs totaling ~240 kWh. It can reach speeds of 30–33 knots and maintains a comfortable cruise at around 24–25 knots.
Meanwhile, The Open is a 48-foot day yacht, also hydrofoiling, with a 30-knot top speed, a 50-nautical-mile range, and solar panels embedded in its hardtop roof to recharge in between dock cycles.
These vessels blur the line between performance and environmental stewardship luxurious yet whisper-quiet, high-speed yet low-impact.
A Strategic Pivot for Qatar
For Al Masdar Investment and Qatar, the deal aligns with broader ambitions. The capital injection will accelerate Tyde’s roadmap, enabling the firm to scale its fleet and explore water-mobility corridors in the MENA region especially in Lusail, The Pearl, and along Doha’s Corniche.
These high-speed, zero-emission shuttles could become core to Qatar’s urban transport ecosystem enhancing connectivity across waterfront districts, offering VIP transfers, and supporting sustainable tourism.
The Vision Behind the Wave
CEO and co-founder, Dr. Christoph Ballin, brings a legacy of innovation: previously, he co-founded Torqeedo, a leader in electric marine propulsion. Under his leadership, Tyde’s partnership with Al Masdar is more than financial it’s a shared vision for redefining the future of mobility.
According to Ballin:
“Partnering with Al Masdar Investment allows Tyde to accelerate its mission to redefine marine mobility through sustainability and innovation … We can scale our technology, expand globally, and bring zero-emission water transport to both private and urban markets faster than ever before.”
Broader Implications: From Prototypes to Public Use
This investment could catalyze a global fleet of electric water taxis, not just for luxury clientele but as a practical, sustainable alternative to traditional water transport.
By deploying these vessels across urban water corridors, municipal authorities and private operators could offer eco-conscious mobility, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-powered boats and supporting climate goals.
In a broader context, the deal underscores how royal capital from the Gulf is increasingly flowing into green-tech ventures particularly those that align with national strategies for sustainability and innovation.
Key Takeaways
Al Masdar Investment (Qatar) now controls 63% of Tyde GmbH, the German hydrofoil-yacht maker.
Tyde’s Icon and Open models are built with BMW’s tech, using electric propulsion and hydrofoil design.
Their technology reduces energy consumption by up to 80% and greenhouse gas emissions by over 90%.
Qatar could use these vessels as part of an urban-water mobility plan for Doha, Lusail, and The Pearl.
This marks a strategic bet on sustainable marine transport, with potential for a global zero-emission water taxi network.
