Local company Griffon Marine has successfully completed a significant contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), demonstrating the strength of the region’s marine engineering and defence manufacturing capabilities.
The project involved converting the Royal Marines’ Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC) fleet into the new Commando Raiding Craft (CRC), delivering modernised vessels designed to meet the demands of today’s amphibious and littoral operations.
This milestone extends the service life of existing vessels while providing improved performance, durability and flexibility for frontline use.
Upgrading vessels for modern military operations
As part of the contract, Griffon Marine carried out extensive upgrades to 25 vessels, transforming them into versatile, multi‑purpose craft suitable for 21st‑century warfare.
The work included:
The programme focused on maximising performance while ensuring long‑term durability and reliability in challenging operational conditions.
Showcasing Portsmouth’s marine engineering expertise
The project represents around 70,000 man hours of skilled engineering, fabrication and systems integration work, highlighting the depth of technical expertise available within Portsmouth’s marine and defence sector.
Andy Weaver, Head of Support at Griffon Marine, said:
“The successful completion of the CRC conversion programme across 25 boats underscores Griffon Marine’s deep engineering expertise and our long-standing partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence. This programme represents around 70,000 man hours of skilled engineering, fabrication and systems integration work, which demonstrates our deep understanding of complex military marine platforms.
We are proud to have delivered a step-change in craft capability that not only extends service life but provides the Royal Marines with a highly adaptable and capable asset for current and future operations.”
Supporting Defence capability through innovation
The MOD has highlighted the importance of the programme in maintaining a modern and flexible fleet.
Defence Equipment & Support Boats Team Leader Pete Lagden said:
“By modernising 25 Offshore Raiding Craft, the project extends service life, improves performance, and ensures readiness for diverse missions. The integration of advanced systems and durability measures reflects a commitment to innovation and through-life support, directly contributing to Defence’s goal of maintaining a capable, agile, and sustainable force. An excellent collective whole team effort.”
Long‑term commitment to defence and maritime capability
Griffon Marine continues to provide through‑life support and specialist engineering services to the UK defence community, helping deliver sustainable maritime capability for years to come.
This project reinforces Portsmouth’s role as a centre for marine engineering, defence innovation and advanced manufacturing, supporting high‑value jobs and investment in the city.