S30 Speeder: Revolutionising Maritime Transport with Cutting-Edge WIG Technology
The S30 Speeder is set to revolutionise maritime transport!
By harnessing WIG technology, this groundbreaking vessel combines the efficiency of ships with the speed of aircraft.
A New Era in High-Speed Maritime Mobility
When discussing cutting-edge transportation technologies, aerospace advancements—such as UAVs, electric planes, and hypersonic jets—often take centre stage. However, the S30 Speeder challenges this paradigm, introducing a revolutionary waterborne vehicle that seamlessly combines the efficiency of ships with the speed of airborne transport.
Developed by a team of Turkish engineers led by Tadao Deniz Özistek (Tadao Yokoyama) and Erdem Kazaklı, the S30 Speeder is not an aircraft but a Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect craft. Unlike conventional vessels, WIG crafts operate just above the water surface, leveraging aerodynamic ground effect to achieve greater speed and fuel efficiency. Recognised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) rather than traditional aviation authorities such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), WIG technology is set to redefine maritime transportation.
What is a WIG Craft?
WIG (Wing-in-Ground effect) crafts are a unique class of maritime vessels that utilise the ground effect phenomenon, allowing them to glide just above the water. This significantly reduces drag, enhances fuel efficiency, and enables higher speeds than conventional boats.
The S30 Speeder is classified as a Type B WIG craft, capable of briefly lifting up to 150 metres above water while primarily operating just above the surface. Unlike aircraft, WIG crafts are inspected and certified by maritime classification societies, offering greater design flexibility, rapid modifications, and scalability—all without the stringent regulatory burdens associated with aviation manufacturing.
Redefining Maritime Transport
The S30 Speeder is not merely an improvement to existing maritime transport—it is a fundamental reimagining of it. This high-speed, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional ships and aircraft is poised to transform multiple industries, from logistics and defence to emergency response operations.
Key Advantages of S30 Speeder Over Conventional Vessels & Aircraft:
✅ Unmatched Speed – Operates significantly faster than conventional boats, with speeds comparable to small aircraft.
✅ Superior Fuel Efficiency – Consumes far less energy than planes while maintaining higher speeds than ships.
✅ Regulatory Flexibility – Avoids the costly and complex certification processes of aviation regulations.
✅ Scalability & Adaptability – Easily modified for diverse applications, including passenger transport, military operations, and emergency response.
✅ Environmental Impact – Reduces fuel consumption per nautical mile compared to equivalent aircraft, aligning with sustainable transportation goals.
One industry expert succinctly captured the disruptive nature of WIG technology, stating:
“You are hitting aviation with its own weight!”
Development Progress & Investment Opportunities
The S30 Speeder project has already achieved several critical milestones, including:
✔️ Successful full-scale prototype testing
✔️ Vertical takeoff using an aluminium frame and real components
✔️ Initial speed tests and wind tunnel simulations
✔️ Upcoming waterborne flight and manoeuvrability trials
Scaling Up: Seeking Strategic Investors
As the S30 Speeder moves towards commercial production, the company is actively seeking strategic investors for its next funding round. By the end of the year, the team aims to transition from prototype testing to full-scale production, requiring investment in:
🔹 Manufacturing facilities
🔹 Advanced autopilot software
🔹 New prototype production & testing
With a funding target of £8 million+, this investment will accelerate the transition from development to production, positioning the S30 Speeder as a game-changing innovation in maritime transportation.
Interview with Tadao Deniz Özistek – Co-Founder of Speeder Systems
To gain further insights into the vision behind S30 Speeder, we spoke with Tadao Deniz Özistek, Co-Founder of Speeder Systems, about the company’s mission, technological breakthroughs, and the future of WIG craft.
Q1: What inspired you to create the S30 Speeder?
“I have always been fascinated by hydrofoils and aerofoils. My undergraduate thesis at Istanbul Technical University focused on hydrofoils, while my Master’s research at the University of Southampton explored ground effect in sailboat design. Despite their technical advantages, WIG crafts have been underutilised in the industry.
In 2020, aerospace engineer Erdem Kazaklı joined the project, and we decided to integrate VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) capabilities into the WIG concept. Our goal is to provide a faster, more efficient alternative for transporting small cargo such as medical supplies, spare parts, and documents—operations that are currently dominated by costly offshore vessels and helicopters.”
Q2: How does WIG technology compare to traditional aviation and marine transport?
“WIG craft are generally more efficient and safer than conventional aircraft. Ground effect is typically something aeroplanes try to avoid, as it creates a floating sensation upon landing. However, we use this effect to our advantage—increasing lift and reducing drag.
Unlike traditional WIG craft, the S30 Speeder’s VTOL capability makes takeoff and landing smoother and more controlled, especially in rough sea conditions. It also eliminates the need for complex winch operations when launching from a ship or offshore platform.”
Q3: What were the biggest technical challenges in developing the S30 Speeder?
“The main challenge was integrating aerospace engineering with naval architecture. The vehicle must be stable in water, capable of flying, and able to perform VTOL manoeuvres while carrying cargo. Balancing these factors required extensive testing and iterative design improvements.”
Q4: What industries will benefit the most from WIG technology?
“The primary application will be small cargo logistics over mid-range distances. However, WIG technology has far-reaching potential, including:
🚢 Offshore wind farms & oil rigs – Rapid deployment of inspection drones and repair teams
⚓ Maritime security & surveillance – Faster, more versatile patrol capabilities
🌊 Environmental monitoring – Real-time tracking of oil spills and underwater structures
🛩 Emergency response – Quick transportation of medical supplies and personnel to remote locations
While we are launching with the S30 model, our long-term goal is to scale up to larger cargo and even passenger transport.”
Q5: What kind of investors and partnerships are you looking for?
“We currently have five highly supportive investors, allowing us to secure a global patent, a research facility in Southampton, and multiple prototypes. Now, we are seeking additional investment for six ‘production-quality’ prototypes in 2026 and the establishment of a dedicated production facility.
We also welcome partnerships with suppliers in the aviation and maritime sectors, both for onboard components and R&D collaboration.”
Q6: What’s your long-term vision for WIG technology?
“The future of maritime transport lies above the sea surface. We already see hydrofoil racing boats lifting their hulls for improved efficiency. Similarly, WIG technology aligns with the growing demand for autonomous and green shipping solutions.
By minimising water resistance and optimising energy use, WIG crafts will play a critical role in the transition towards sustainable, high-speed maritime logistics.”
The Future of Maritime Transport is Here
The S30 Speeder is not just an ambitious concept—it is a working prototype that has already demonstrated its potential to revolutionise maritime mobility. With its unparalleled speed, efficiency, and adaptability, this groundbreaking innovation is set to become a defining force in the global transport sector.
📌 For more details, visit: www.speedersystems.com
📌 Investment & Partnership Inquiries: Contact the Speeder Systems Team
