Read the latest eNEWS:

High Speed Craft

This category is separated into sub-categories based on construction materials and specific roles. Use the drop down menu under High Speed Craft to select type of craft.

Professional High Speed Craft

Professional High Speed Craft refers to planing craft including fast pilot boats, work boats, maritime enforcement, counter terrorism, interceptors and Special Forces craft.

Work boat applications include dive boat, crew boat, cargo boat, boom deployment, environmental sampling, hydrographic survey, fire, search and rescue.

Foam Collar Craft

A foam collar craft has closed cell foam filled sponsons attached to an aluminium, GRP or FRP hull. This is different to a RIB or RHIB that has air filled sponsons.

There are combination designs that use a mix of air filled and foam filled sections. The main advantage of foam is a tough material that can be cut but will not deflate.

Extreme High Speed Craft

These craft can be powered by multiple gasoline or petrol outboard engines. Multiple inboard diesel engines can be combined with stern drive or surface piercing propellers.

High Speed Craft are constantly evolving as counter-terrorism and enforcement roles change in the miltary, coastguard and police sector. Top speeds are rarely disclosed.

Centre Console Craft

A centre console layout allows for multiple roles with the same craft. The walk-around design is versatile for crews on stop and search or boarding operations.

High speed applications use multiple outboard engine configurations or high performance racing engines linked to surface drive propulsion systems.

Diesel inboard engines are selected for longer duration patrolling roles. These craft can be fitted with small arms ballistic protection behind, or laminated into, the vertical sections of the hull.

Patrol Craft Characteristics

Patrol craft can be designed for use in Riverine and Estuary (brown water), Coastal (green water) or Offshore (blue water) environments.

Riverine patrol craft are usually shallow draught and may be used for personnel and equipment transport, landing craft roles, tactical support and high speed assault.

Patrol Craft Roles

Patrol boats are usually operated by a navy, coast guard or police forces. Small size and relatively low cost make them the most common type of warship .

Fast patrol boats are used by government agencies involved in maritime and port surveillance, coastal and offshore surveillance and law enforcement missions.

Offshore Patrol Craft

Offshore patrol craft are typically between 25 metre (80 feet) and 50 metre (160 feet) in length. Modern designs of offshore patrol craft can exceed 30 knots.

Besides coastal defence duties these craft can carry out various border protection roles including anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, fisheries patrols and law enforcement. 

Interceptors

Interceptors need to combine high speed, excellent sea keeping characteristics and protection for the crew. Undisclosed speeds can exceed 60 knots.

Interceptors may be selected for high speed patrol, security, law enforcement, special forces and tactical support. Various hull forms have evolved from offshore racing.

Various Mission Requirements

Patrol Craft can be expected to run at various planing speeds to and from a task. Many operations then require a static or slow moving platform to work from.

The main characteristics are reliability and the ability to operate for extended periods. Certian roles require these craft to achieve high speeds in challenging sea states.

05.01.2024
Hydro Motion - H2 from NL to England in 2024

The TU Delft Hydro Motion Team wants to cross to…

Read more >

05.01.2024
The Challenges of Unpredictable Marine Energy

From military to superyacht, it is clear there is an urgent…

Read more >

Speed@Seawork 2024

Dates:
10th June 2024
Location:
Cowes, Isle Of Wight,

Read more >

Foiling and Flying RIBs

Foiling powerboat designed to meet military needs - fast, stable, silent, fuel-saving. Collaboration by SEAir Foiling Systems and Sillinger RIBs.…

Read more >