British maritime construction and engineering firm Griffon Marine has announced it has finished upgrading 25 raiding boats for the Royal Marines.
The conversion of the RM’s’ Offshore Raiding Craft (ORCs) into Commando Raiding Craft (CRCs) has both extended their operational life and enhanced the boats’ performance in frontline amphibious operations.
As per a company statement, upgrades to the newly designated CRCs include better propulsion systems, improved navigation and communications suites, and a more flexible payload capacity. They also took in adding new corrosion-resistant coatings for better durability in harsh environments.
The works mean the newly revised craft are faster, have a longer operational range, and improved manoeuvrability compared with the original ORC design.
The modernised CRCs can also be rapidly reconfigured between different mission sets, from troop insertion and extraction to uncrewed aerial system deployments.
Griffon Marine’s Head of Support Andy Weaver commented: “We are proud to have delivered a step-change in craft capability that not only extends service life but provides the Royal Marines with a highly adaptable and capable asset for current and future operations.”
Defence Equipment & Support Boats Team Leader Pete Lagden added: “The successful completion of the CRC conversion programme demonstrates how defence priorities and objectives have been met by enhancing operational capability, sustainability, and adaptability.
“This programme, delivered through a strong partnership with industry, aligns with the Royal Marines’ evolving operational doctrine, supporting dispersed team operations in complex littoral environments.”
Until last year Griffon Marine was known as Griffon Hoverwork. The Portchester-based firm specialises in high-speed aluminum craft and hovercraft; more than 200 of its vessels operate in 45 countries, serving coastguards, navies, and commercial clients.
- You can read more details about the CRC contract on the Griffon Marine website