A new high-speed maritime service using wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) technology is planned for the Singapore–Batam route in the second half of 2026, aiming to significantly cut travel times compared with conventional ferries.
The AirFish WIG craft, designed to carry eight to 10 passengers, including crew, is being developed by ST Engineering AirX, a joint venture between ST Engineering and start-up Peluca, in partnership with ferry operator BatamFast. The plans were announced at the Singapore Airshow 2026.
The craft measures around 17 metres in length and 15 metres in width, with a range exceeding 300 nautical miles. It takes off from the water and cruises at low altitude above the sea, using aerodynamic ground effect to achieve higher speeds. Certification and approval processes have been underway since 2024 with Bureau Veritas, while final regulatory clearances from Singaporean and Indonesian authorities are still pending.
