Case study: Hovercraft for passenger service

For more than 45 years, Griffon Hoverwork has provided hovercraft to the most successful passenger service in the World. Solent Express, a BHT craft, operates 22,000 crossings each year, carrying more than 800,000 passengers between Southsea on the south coast of the UK to Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

There are significant commercial benefits to operating a hovercraft passenger service. Hovercraft can land on unprepared beaches or slipways, eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure. Generally they are faster than conventional ferries and catamaran services operating the same routes, allowing more crossings, more passengers and more revenue every day.

In areas of shallow water, mud or debris, hovercraft are the only option for passenger transportation, as they can traverse the areas that conventional boats would find impossible to reach. This allows access to areas previously unreachable, giving any passenger service a very unique selling point.

As a result of more than 45 years experience in designing, manufacturing and operating hovercraft, Griffon Hoverwork is in the unique position to offer first class business consultancy to help new commercial ventures prosper. All our hovercraft are tailor made to suit specific requirements, including passenger and VIP seating, liferafts, toilets and the latest navigation/communication equipment. We also offer pilot training, spare parts provision and life-long maintenance, ensuring you receive the complete package.

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