Hovercraft can also be used for fast and direct oil spill response
The previously named Suna X loaded with cargo now operating in the Caspian Sea
Sea is shrinking leaving shallow waters that in the future will become unnavigable by conventional displacement vessels. Currently undergoing sea ice trials, with a top speed of over 45 knots the Falcon will make up to a 180‐mile journey connecting artificial islands to the mainland for delivering the frequent high payload of people and consumables required.
However, it is not just the frozen north that benefits from effective logistics using hovercraft. Other large craft such as an AP188 in Peru was used to provide logistics where the roads stopped and the only route was over rivers that were fast flowing in the wet season and non‐existent in the dry season.
preventing the use of boats and heavy fog grounding helicopters. The hovercraft operates here year‐round to ensure supplies, personnel and equipment can be connected to North Star efficiently, in total certainty.
Lynden Incorporated also operate a large AP188 hovercraft to and from the offshore Spy Island, acting as the lifeline to the outside world over the freezing, and thawing ice.
A large 22 tonne payload BHT hovercraft previously operating in Alaska, the “Caspian Falcon” is now operating in the Northern Caspian Sea for Caspian Offshore Construction (COC). The Caspian
Whilst used in the oil and gas industry primarily for transportation, hovercrafts are environmentally bespoke meaning they can fulfil multiple roles within that environment whilst having minimal impact on it. Hovering over the surface, carrying the necessary equipment direct to the target, in situations of oil spill they can provide a stable work platform that has minimal contact with the affected area. From firefighting, to search & rescue, to scientific surveys and even ice breaking, hovercraft are used and proven within commercial companies. With growing environmental uncertainty, a hovercraft’s ability to reliably deliver in difficult locations may bring a higher demand for specialised vehicles like these in the energy sector.
Nicholas MacLeod‐Ash Marketing & Sales Director, Griffon Hoverwork Limited
Society of Maritime Industries Handbook & Members’ Directory 2020 25
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