The main benefits of Griffon hovercraft for the commercial role are: the ability to travel at high speed over a wide variety of surfaces; the reliability and low maintenance running costs of the modern diesel engine; the simplicity but ruggedness of construction; the ease of operation and maintenance; the high degree of manoeuvrability; and the capability of fitting the craft out in a wide variety of configurations.
Commercial Applications
Operating in a wide variety of applications, from passenger services through to survey work and engineering support
-
Passenger Ferry
Conventional passenger craft often have to slow down on waterways because of the amount of wash or wake they produce at speed. Griffon Hoverwork craft produce virtually no wash or wake at high speed, which authorities and environmentalists consider as highly important. Journey times are also reduced. Our hovercraft can travel on rivers, tidal estuaries etc. which cannot be navigated by conventional vessels, opening services that before were inaccessible.
-
Hydrographic & Seismic Surveys
All our hovercraft can be equipped with hydrographic and seismic survey equipment. The Griffon hovercraft allows the operator to carry out studies in the shallow water areas, normally inaccessible by any other means. Much time is saved since the craft is not restricted by tidal considerations.
Our hovercraft can operate in areas which are inaccessible to conventional craft, Griffon hovercraft safely extend the areas for seismic surveys.
-
Oil Spill Response Craft
Griffon Hoverwork craft offer a stable, safe working platform to which all oil spill response equipment, such as booms or skimmers, can be fitted, stored and safely deployed. For ease of use, hydraulic lifting equipment can also be fitted.
Unlike conventional craft that churn up surface oil with their propellers making it more difficult to recover, the hovercraft air cushion allows the craft to hover over any oil spill with limited contact with the oil. The hovercraft is able to reach the area at high-speed, therefore limiting the threat of further contamination or damage.
-
Logistical Support & Cargo Carrying
All of the Griffon Hoverwork range can be configured in a full or partially well decked format. This allows the craft to carry a range of equipment, from drilling rigs and survey equipment to military vehicles and cranes. The main cabin can be configured for crew or passenger carrying.
