UK vessel builder Griffon Marine has won a contract to build three hovercraft for the Finnish Border Guard as it moves to renew its ageing fleet.
The vessels will be built to Griffon’s 2000TD-class design, measuring 12.7 metres in length and 6.2 metres in beam while hovering, and with a payload capacity of two tonnes.
The design, says Griffon, is compatible with the archipelagos and ice-covered waters that are a feature of Finland. Hovercraft are well suited for partially frozen or heavily iced seas, where conventional craft would suffer. They are used in combination with other services such as police, emergencies, medical evacuations and meteorological monitoring.
“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,” said Major General Jari Tolppanen, Chief of the Finnish Border Guard’s Technical Division.
“Our 2000TD-class hovercraft are designed for versatility and reliability in demanding maritime environments,” said Mark Downer, CEO of Griffon Marine. “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.”
The contract was awarded following an open EU-wide tendering process, and the new vessels will be delivered during 2026–2027, Griffon says.
