UK manufacturer to support design work on Canadian Coast Guard’s future air-cushion vehicles

The Canadian Coast Guard has selected UK-based manufacturer Griffon Hoverwork to provide engineering design consultancy services to update the service’s current air-cushion vehicle (ACV) design and to conduct feasibility studies into alternative power plant options.

The Canadian Coast Guard operates a fleet of four ACVs, which primarily support the service’s search and rescue (SAR), icebreaking, and marine navigation services mandate in the central and western regions of Canada. Due to their aluminium build and icebreaking core duty in harsh environments, the ACVs have a relatively short in-service life expectancy and are ready to be replaced.

The contract requirements are split into several phases, the first of which is a feasibility study to determine the most suitable future fuel for the coast guard’s next generation of ACVs to comply with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2050 Zero emission of greenhouse gases. The study will also assess the impact that the fuel will have on the craft performance, structure, and systems in both the short term and long term.

The results of the feasibility study will determine the direction of further design considerations of a complete craft proposal.