Griffon Hoverwork: Pioneering the future of marine engineering from Portsmouth

Griffon Hoverwork is at the forefront of marine engineering, offering innovative nautical engineering design consulting services. Having been involved in the manufacture and operation of hovercraft since they were first conceived, over 70 years ago, Griffon offers outstanding expertise in Naval Architecture, Zero Emissions Marine and Electric Systems Engineering, Aerodynamics and Regulatory Compliance Engineering. Their high-performance vessels are tailored for efficiency, sustainability and versatility, addressing a wide range of applications, from defence to high-speed passenger ferries.

A global leader in hovercraft technology

Griffon has a specialist global customer base with their hovercraft operating across all five continents in over 45 countries from the jungles of South America to the frozen seas of the Baltic and Arctic in roles as diverse as passenger, coastguard, military and rescue operations. Their international success was recently recognised when they won Maritime UK Solent’s International Partnership & Global Trade Award for 2024. The award, from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), celebrates businesses working in the Solent region that demonstrate outstanding achievements in the global marketplace, involving a successful export strategy that underpins growth and the ability to innovate.

Tailored solutions for diverse applications

Griffon recently delivered three hovercraft to Oita Prefecture government in Japan to carry passengers, connecting Oita Airport in Kunisaki with Oita City which is due to commence service in the next few months.  The design team worked with the Japanese Government and Japanese suppliers to adapt the hovercraft’s design to local requirements and meet the regulatory Japanese Barrier-Free Guidance. A Pilot and Engineering Maintenance Training Course was provided to enhance the engineers’ expertise and also strengthen their capability to ensure the optimal performance and safety.

Driving International growth and partnerships

Griffon’s influence and reputation in Japan has increased considerably with projects in the region cementing the company’s position as the primary organisation to work with on hovercraft projects, resulting in relationships with Mitsubishi and ITOCHU with current projects including a £2m consulting project and a potential multi-million pound contract with the Japanese Ministry of Defence

Other contracts delivered in 2024 include:

• A design engineering project with the Canadian Coast Guard.
• A second hovercraft for Société des Traversiers du Québec (STQ), to cross the river between the villages of Saint-Augustin and Pakuashipi to act as a school bus, passenger ferry, courier and stretcher casualty ambulance.
• The Polish Border Guard procured two hovercraft for a patrol and intervention role in Stara Pasłęka, to join their existing two 2000TD hovercraft.
• A contract for the construction of six hovercraft for the Indian Coast Guard was signed in partnership with Chowgule shipyard in Goa. The hovercraft will be manufactured in Goa under Griffon’s direct supervision, ensuring full compliance with all technical specifications and India MoD requirements. The design license agreement with Chowgule will ensure that the best quality craft is manufactured and delivered to the Indian Coast Guard, fulfilling all their operational and security requirements.

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