Pogo bounces into commercial marine with unique hull

The LOXO 30 OPEN is a 9-metre workboat platform designed to combine low fuel consumption and versatility required by commercial operators.

The latest addition to its powerboat range has been engineered around a new-generation hull intended to deliver optimum performance at typical commercial operating speeds of 15-20 knots while reducing fuel consumption by up to 40% compared with similar vessels.

Central to the design is a vacuum-infused composite sandwich construction combining fibreglass, polyester and a foam core. The lightweight structure is designed to provide high rigidity and long-term resistance to fatigue while requiring less power to bring the vessel onto the plane, making it suitable for both conventional outboard and electric propulsion.

“With the LOXO 30 OPEN, our goal was to design an efficient powerboat capable of meeting today’s market needs while anticipating tomorrow’s developments,” said Paul Bouroullec, co-CEO of Pogo Structures. “We set out to bring together low fuel consumption, robustness and versatility in a single boat.”

Rather than targeting a single market, Pogo has developed the LOXO 30 OPEN as a modular commercial platform. Its open deck and configurable layout can be adapted for passenger transport, harbour operations, maritime surveillance, diving support, professional fishing and sailing clubs, while carrying up to 12 passengers plus a skipper.

The hull incorporates fine bow entries for improved ride comfort, a buoyant stern for greater stability and a shallow keel to enhance directional control, the company says. Structural safety features include watertight bulkheads and integrated buoyancy volumes.

“We see that today’s professionals are looking for boats that can adapt to their work, rather than the other way around,” said Tanguy Bouroullec, co-CEO of the company. “The LOXO 30 OPEN was designed from the outset to incorporate this customisation capability and to evolve alongside changing uses throughout its lifetime.”

Pogo is completing the engineering phase before tooling and mould production begins, with the first vessel scheduled to enter commercial service in January 2027 with passenger transport operator Bleu Evasion in France’s Calanques National Park.

The initial deployment is intended to demonstrate the vessel’s fuel efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility under demanding operating conditions.

Founded in 1987, Brittany-based Pogo Structures is best known for its high-performance offshore sailing yachts but has spent the past decade expanding into efficient motorboats through its LOXO brand. With the LOXO 30 OPEN, the company is targeting the commercial workboat market by applying lightweight composite construction and offshore yacht design expertise to passenger transport, harbour operations and other professional marine applications.