Hampshire-based manufacturer Griffon Marine has been awarded a contract by the Finnish Border Guard to produce and deliver three new hovercraft. The agreement follows an EU-wide tendering process and covers the delivery of 2000TD-class vessels between 2026 and 2027.
The hovercraft are intended to enhance the Finnish Border Guard’s operational capabilities, particularly in coastal archipelagos where rocky and ice-covered conditions limit conventional vessels. Each craft will be approximately 12.7 metres long, 6.2 metres in beam when hovering, and capable of carrying a payload of around 2,000 kilograms.
The latest Griffon 2000TD model features a turbo-charged diesel engine, a variable pitch propeller, and an advanced skirt design to optimise performance in challenging environments.
Mark Downer, chief executive of Griffon Marine, said: “We are honoured that the Finnish Border Guard has entrusted Griffon Marine with this vital capability enhancement.
“Our 2000TD-class hovercraft are designed for versatility and reliability in demanding maritime environments. With harsh winters, complex archipelagos and ice-bound seas, these new vessels will significantly strengthen the border guard’s ability to carry out patrols, surveillance and rescue missions year-round.”
Major General Jari Tolppanen, chief of the Finnish Border Guard’s technical division, stated: “The purpose of these new hovercraft is to replace the current ones that have reached the end of their technical life cycle.
“This procurement ensures the performance of the Finnish Border Guard’s statutory duties in all seasons and in conditions, where the operability of conventional vessels or aircraft is limited.”
