Name

GRIFFON HOVERWORK LIMITED

Legal name

GRIFFON HOVERWORK LIMITED

Website

https://griffonhoverwork.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Amphibious Hovercraft Manufacturing

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Ship and Boat Building (33661), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)

SIC

Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Landing Craft & Amphibious Workboats (LCM/LCT-style, Beaching Craft) (IMAJADAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Patrol, Interceptor & Law-Enforcement Craft (Coast Guard, Customs) (IMAJADAD)

Keywords

• Amphibious hovercraft manufacturing
• Landing craft air cushion
• Marine engineering services
• Search rescue hovercraft
• Commercial passenger hovercraft

Headquarters

HQ city

Southampton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hovercraft Manufacturing and Sales: Design and manufacture of hovercraft of varying payloads and application requirements. All craft offered in differing configurations to suit customer requirements. Revenue from new craft sales including models ranging from 380TD to 12000TD and BHT series up to 21 tonnes payload.
2. Spares and Equipment Supply: Supply of all spares and equipment required to ensure hovercraft remain fully operational year round. From specialised engine parts to bespoke hovercraft skirts, all spares delivered directly from UK facilities worldwide.
3. Engineering and Consulting Services: End-to-end engineering capability including design engineering (lightweight structures, naval, mechanical, electrical, electronic, outfit), production engineering, project design/development, project management, fabrication, mechanical and electrical installation, outfitting, and surface finishing. Services delivered on customer site, in company workshops, or in extreme environments globally.
4. Training Services: Flexible, customer focused training enabling clients to get the best from their hovercraft. Training tailored to cover pilots, engineering and operational crew. Type Rating Certificate training for High-Speed Craft - Hovercraft. Training available at HQ or in-country, from initial to advanced and instructor level.
5. Used Craft Brokerage: Brokerage service for used hovercraft sale. Company provides used craft ready for operation alongside new craft range built to unique customer requirements.
6. In-Service Support Contracts: Long-term support contracts including 6.5 year Ministry of Defence contract for boat support services covering over 2,200 craft in 110 different classes. Includes spares supply, engineering services, crew training, and 24/7 global support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Griffon Hoverwork designs and manufactures a full range of amphibious hovercraft from 380 kg to 52+ tonne payload capacity for military, search and rescue, passenger transport, and commercial applications, including the Wyvern LCAC, BHT, 12000TD, 8100TD, 8000TD, 2450TD, 2000TD, 995ED, and 380TD models. The company also provides complementary marine solutions (electric propulsion, aluminium bonding, hover barges, PACSCAT, HOV-CAT), spares supply, accredited pilot and engineering training, in-service support contracts, and engineering consultancy.

Product overview

Griffon Hoverwork Limited (now Griffon Marine) is the world leader in hovercraft and specialised amphibious technology since 1956. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of hovercraft products ranging from small inshore craft (380TD at 380kg payload) to the largest sea-going hover ferries (BHT at 18-21 tonnes payload) and military Landing Craft Air Cushion (Wyvern LCAC at 52+ tonnes payload). Their product line includes specific models: 380TD, 995ED, 2000TD, 2400TD, 2450TD, 8000TD, 8100TD, 12000TD, AP188, BHT, and the new Wyvern LCAC. Beyond hovercraft manufacturing, the company provides integrated marine solutions including marine electric propulsion systems, aluminium bonding technology, hover solutions (PACSCAT, Hover Barges, HOV-CAT), training services, spares supply, and in-service support. The portfolio is unified by the company's core hovercraft engineering expertise applied across commercial, military, rescue and passenger transport applications. The company has supplied over 180 hovercraft to over 41 countries worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hovertravel: World's longest running commercial hovercraft operator in Europe, connecting the South Coast of the UK with the Isle of Wight.
• Griffon Marine Solutions
• Griffon Marine Shipyard
• Griffon Marine Support

Products and services

• 8000TD Hovercraft Twin engine fully amphibious hovercraft, the best selling model in the Griffon range with over 25 units built. Carries loads of up to 8,000kg, features turbocharged radiator cooled diesel engines and marine grade aluminium hull. Length 22.52m, accommodates 42-56 passengers.
• 8100TD Hovercraft Amphibious all-terrain logistical hovercraft, the 10 tonne carrying 'big brother' to the 8000TD. Built for rapid response and logistical power in any environment. Features 1.25m obstacle clearance and marine grade aluminium construction. Length 22.52m, accommodates 56-75 passengers.
• 12000TD Hovercraft Ground-breaking large payload hovercraft combining experience and modern technology. The most technically advanced and modern hovercraft available with 12 tonnes of payload and prioritised user experience. Features less than 75dB cabin noise, fast embarkation/disembarkation, and low running costs. Length 23.7m, accommodates 80 passengers.
• BHT Hovercraft 18-21 tonne high payload hovercraft for effective delivery of logistics, passengers and vehicles over long distances. The largest hovercraft in Griffon's range. Features 1.8m obstacle clearance and speeds of 45+ knots. Length 29.3-33.7m, accommodates 130-180 passengers.
• 2000TD Hovercraft The most versatile and experienced craft, proven in extreme conditions from humanitarian disasters to war zones. Turbocharged diesel engine with advanced skirt design for fast, safe performance. Compliant to High Speed Craft Code with optional Lloyd's Register Certification. Length 12.7m, accommodates 12-14 passengers, 2000kg payload.
• 995ED Hovercraft Advanced electric diesel craft providing precise manoeuvrability and stable platform with just under 1 tonne of payload. Features twin azimuth electric drive thrust modules for greater manoeuvrability and reduced noise levels. Uses hybrid diesel-electric power with exhaust emissions released below skirt. Length 8.6m, accommodates 8 passengers, 995kg payload, operates at 30 knots.
• 2450TD Hovercraft Originating from Griffon's most proven craft, provides 2400kg payload for demanding tasks in extreme environments. Classification Society and High Speed Craft Code compliant. Allows for specialised equipment installations such as crane capabilities. Length 15.2m, accommodates 15-18 passengers.
• 380TD Hovercraft Highly manoeuvrable five-seat amphibious hovercraft suitable for inshore, coastal and tidal waters. Road trailer-able for rapid deployment. Capable of carrying loads of up to 380kg over shallow water, tidal terrain and dry land. Length 6.8m, accommodates 3-4 passengers.
• Wyvern LCAC
• Hovercraft Training Flexible customer-focused training enabling clients to get the best from their hovercraft. Training covers pilots, engineering and operational crew. UK Chamber of Shipping accredited Type Rating Certificate (High-Speed Craft - Hovercraft) training course.
• Hovercraft Spares Supply Supply of all spares and equipment required to ensure hovercraft remains fully operational year round. Includes specialised engine parts and bespoke hovercraft skirts, delivered directly from UK facilities worldwide.
• In-Service Support Commitment to ensuring fast, effective and reliable hovercraft user operations including servicing, maintenance, re-fits and spares supply with scheduled maintenance kits. Includes long-term support contracts such as the 6.5 year Ministry of Defence contract covering over 2,200 craft in 110 different classes.
• Marine Electric Propulsion Electric and hybrid drive system development with diesel electric drives that are battery ready. 350VDC-60kW basic output, expandable to higher ratings with marine grade system components.
• Marine Aluminium Bonding Bonded aluminium structures as alternative to traditionally welded structures providing cost savings and greater dimensional control. Uses 6000 series aluminium with epoxy adhesive for lighter weight and stronger hull construction.
• Engineering and Consulting Services End-to-end engineering capability including design engineering (lightweight structures, naval, mechanical, electrical, electronic, outfit), production engineering, project design/development, project management, fabrication, mechanical and electrical installation, outfitting, and surface finishing. Services delivered on customer site, in company workshops, or in extreme environments globally.
• Used Craft Brokerage Brokerage service for used hovercraft sale. Company provides used craft ready for operation alongside new craft range built to unique customer requirements, including BHT 130 Series and used 380TD models.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hovercraft can travel at speeds in excess of 45 knots with maximum speeds achievable to 55 knots
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Corporate partnership announced at Christmas staff event. Griffon pledged to match all contributions made during event. Partnership reflects company's commitment to community support and life-saving services, aligning with hovercraft medical transport capabilities.
• UK Chamber of ShippingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023UK Chamber of Shipping awarded course recognition to Griffon Hoverwork's Type Rating Certificate training course, providing official accreditation meeting rigorous standards for high-speed craft and hovercraft operations.
• BISEN Consortium (Nigeria)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020BISEN consortium members including Clearwater Dynamics, Weatherhaven, SSI Ltd, Geodyn and Griffon Hoverwork worked together on vaccine distribution hovercraft project in Nigeria. Project addressed challenges of licensing, exporting, customs clearances, commissioning.
• Caspian Offshore Construction (COC)minorOthers · 1 January 2018Customer operating BHT 'Caspian Falcon' in Northern Caspian Sea for Kashagan Oil Field. Craft acquired in 2018 for delivering personnel and goods between islands of oil field.
• The Hovercraft Museum TrustminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership spanning over 3 decades supporting preservation of hovercraft heritage. Company works with museum on brand merchandise and industry recognition. Museum houses over 50 hovercraft as well as models, film and extensive paper archive. Site of pre-WWII seaplane base used by UK MoD for hovercraft testing.
• DK M-Tech (South Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Exclusive sales agent in South Korea focusing on technical sales and overall business. DK M-Tech provides sales, pilot training, and craft recovery/repair services. Has been working with Griffon Hoverwork for 6 years since 2015. Responsible for Korean Coast Guard fleet support including BHT, 8000TD and 450TD craft.
• Machinery Sales Corporation (SSC), MumbaicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2009Exclusive representation in India providing on-site support at all 6 Indian Coast Guard bases. Long established family business supporting Indian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. Partnered at same time as Griffon Hoverwork formed in 2009, previously supported original 6 x 8000TD craft built in partnership with Garden Reach Shipyard, Kolkata.
• Bland GroupcoreOthers · 1 January 2008Parent company ownership and support. Griffon Hoverwork and Hoverwork acquired by the Bland Group in 2008, merging to form Griffon Hoverwork Ltd. Hovercraft Consultants also joined, uniting almost half a century of hovercraft design, manufacture and operational experience.
• Hovercraft Consultants LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1982Founded in 1982, specialising in hovercraft skirt design. Joined Griffon Hoverwork in 2009 as part of merger, bringing additional expertise in skirt technology and design.
• Hovertravel LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1967Sister company founded in 1967, operating the world's longest running and only commercial hovercraft service in Europe connecting South Coast of UK with Isle of Wight. Hovertravel operates two 12000TD craft and provides real-world operational feedback that informs product development.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Damen Shipyards: Global shipbuilder with extensive naval, patrol, and amphibious vessel portfolio including fast patrol craft and landing craft. Comparable as a broad maritime OEM targeting similar government and naval customers, though Damen operates a much larger and more diversified product line.
• Austal Ships: Austal builds high-speed aluminium ferries and naval vessels (Littoral Combat Ships, Independence-class) using advanced aluminium construction. Comparable to Griffon Marine Shipyard in aluminium hull construction expertise and high-speed vessel engineering, though Austal operates at significantly greater scale.
• BAE Systems Maritime: Major UK naval shipbuilder and defence prime with whom Griffon partners (sub-contracted to support the 2,200+ craft MoD contract). Comparable in serving the Royal Marines and UK MoD customer base with amphibious and maritime platforms.
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries:
• Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII): US naval shipbuilder producing amphibious assault ships, landing craft, and expeditionary platforms. Competes in the same end-customer budget pool as Griffon for US/allied amphibious procurement.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries:

Regional players

• Bollinger Shipyards: US shipbuilder producing patrol boats, fast response cutters, and military support vessels. Comparable in serving coast guard and military customers with high-speed aluminium craft, though primarily US-based and at larger scale.

Emerging players

• Hike Metal Products: Canadian aluminium workboat builder producing fast patrol craft and naval vessels, with overlap in construction techniques (welded aluminium) and customer base (Canadian Coast Guard, like Griffon). Smaller scale but directly comparable in build philosophy.

Others

• Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky/Marine): While primarily an aerospace prime, Lockheed Martin supplies naval and amphibious systems and competes for the same defence procurement budgets (amphibious, maritime security) that drive Griffon's military customers.

Direct peers

• Textron Systems: Textron has historically produced the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) for the US Navy and is the most direct global competitor in the military hovercraft/LCAC space that Griffon is targeting with the Wyvern. Both compete for amphibious defence customers worldwide.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Griffonhoverwork
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/griffon-hoverwork
• Xx.com/GriffonGHL
• Facebookfacebook.com/GriffonHoverwork

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GRIFFON HOVERWORK LIMITED