DETROIT – The tides are changing, and a Qatari investment firm has plenty to do with it. Al Masdar Investment, chaired by Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, has acquired a 63 percent majority stake in Tyde, the German builder of all-electric hydrofoiling boats best known for The Icon and The Open created with BMW.

The financial boost will give Tyde the momentum it needs to move from its prototype phase into a broader portfolio and pursue a global go-to-market push focused on luxury, commercial, and urban marine mobility.

The company is already setting a precedent in yachting with a zero-emission, hydrofoil-based fleet that avoids an environment-corrupting footprint. Its vessels consume nearly 80 percent less energy and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by more than 90 percent, while offering an exceptionally quiet, vibration-free ride.

The strongest examples of its work are the BMW-co-developed Icon and Open. According to marine-industry reports, the new partnership will pave the way for water-mobility initiatives in Qatar and the wider MENA region, with potential applications across Lusail, The Pearl, and the Doha Corniche corridors.

The development of new eco-conscious vessels will complement Qatar’s transit and urban-design strategies alongside its metro and light-rail systems. These foiling water shuttles can bridge transport gaps between waterfront districts and can also be deployed for luxury transfers for events, VIPs, and tourists.

At present, Tyde’s vessels accommodate 8 to 12 passengers, placing them firmly in the premium shuttle-service segment. With the new investment, the company is positioned to scale up and introduce larger platforms.

“Partnering with Al Masdar Investment allows Tyde to accelerate its mission to redefine marine mobility through sustainability and innovation. With this strategic alliance, we can scale our technology, expand globally, and bring zero-emission water transport to both private and urban markets faster than ever before,” says Christoph Ballin, CEO of Tyde, per Marineindustrynews.

Ballin is a recognized pioneer in electric boats and yachts, having previously co-founded Torqeedo, a market leader in electric propulsion. His expertise explains why BMW joined forces with an experienced captain who can merge high design, advanced hydrofoil technology, and sustainability into a coherent vision for the future of yachting.

While the future looks exciting, Tyde’s current vessels make a compelling case on their own. The Icon, often described as the flagbearer for sustainable luxury, is a 43-foot hydrofoiling electric watercraft powered by twin 100 kW electric motors and roughly 240 kWh of BMW i3 batteries. It delivers a top speed of about 30 to 33 knots and a smooth cruising speed of 24 to 25 knots.

The Open is a 48-foot day-yacht concept regarded as the world’s largest foiling motor yacht for private individuals. It features a forward lounge, aft dining area, sunpad, and a small cabin. The Open offers a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 50 nautical miles at cruising speed. Its hardtop incorporates photovoltaic panels for trickle-charging and extending range between shore-power cycles.