AWARDS 2022 | Best RIB Patrol Boat – Hunter – Ultimate Boats
A very high-specification, composite-hulled police patrol and search and rescue (SAR) boat, she is simple, capable, light, and efficient. Ultimate Boats has done a first rate job with this very impressive boat.
"It is a truly unique and extraordinary high-performance tactical craft that delivers multi-mission capability," Ultimate Boats' Shane Mugan told Baird Maritime. "Designed specifically for military, tactical, and law enforcement operations, Hunter can perform a range of duties including interception, high-speed pursuit, insertion and extraction, rapid response to maritime security threats, and SAR operations."
The boat can also operate in even the most challenging environments. It boasts exceptional hydrodynamic performance, thanks to its innovative hull technology, but it is also the world's first fully recyclable boat made from composite material.
"Its use of a ground-breaking and proprietary composite material called DANU represents a significant development in the industry, as it is fully recyclable and can be recovered, recycled, and reused repeatedly," said Mugan. "This is a significant step forward in reducing waste and emissions in the marine industry. This boat demonstrates that high-performance tactical craft can be both efficient and environmentally responsible."
Mugan said that a remarkable feature of the vessel is its high resource efficiency, achieved through its patented hull technology, resulting in significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
"Building a fully recyclable boat made from composite material was an incredible technical challenge," Mugan added, "but alongside our colleagues at Police Scotland, we were determined to make it happen.
"We had to make sure that every aspect of the build was perfect, from the initial concept design to successfully exceeding the workboat coding requirements. The end result was that the boat not only performs incredibly well, but is also environmentally friendly."
Mugan said the company has gained a wealth of knowledge that will be incorporated into future projects. One of the takeaways is that the DANU composite material is incredibly versatile and can be used to create a wide range of products and exciting applications.
"We've also discovered that building a fully recyclable boat is not only feasible but also commercially viable. By using DANU, we can reduce the environmental impact of boatbuilding."
Mugan remarked that the marine industry is constantly evolving, so shipbuilders need to be aware of the latest trends and regulations that impact their work.
"One of the most significant trends we are seeing in shipbuilding today is the growing demand for sustainability and environmental responsibility," he told Baird Maritime. "Governments and organisations around the world are pushing for cleaner, greener shipping practices, which means shipbuilders must be at the forefront of innovation and efficiency to meet these demands."
Mugan said another trend that is impacting shipbuilding is the increasing use of digital technologies, such as AI and automation. These technologies are improving efficiency and safety, while reducing costs and the risk of human error. Shipbuilders are embracing these tools to design and build vessels that are more advanced, safer, and easier to operate.
"Regulations are also playing a significant role in shaping the future of shipbuilding. The IMO's new regulations on reducing carbon emissions from ships, known as IMO 2020, have driven significant changes in the shipping industry. These regulations require ships to use cleaner fuels, such as low-sulphur fuel oil, or install scrubbers to reduce emissions. Shipbuilders are working to design and build vessels that comply with these regulations while still meeting the needs of their clients."
Other important regulations include those related to safety, security, and labour standards. For example, the SOLAS convention sets out international standards for ship safety, while the Maritime Labour Convention establishes minimum requirements for working conditions and rights for seafarers.
"We feel that overall, these trends and regulations are shaping the future of the shipbuilding industry and driving innovation and change across the sector," said Mugan. "Staying up-to-date with these developments and embracing new technologies and practices will be key to success in the years ahead."
Mugan said the year 2022 was one filled with a series of exciting developments for Ultimate Boats as well as strong business performance as well as a steady rise in demand for its high-performance tactical craft, especially from military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
"We have recently acquired a market leading autonomous technology company, which has opened up new markets in the defence industry for us to explore and integrate advanced technology into our product range. This technology enables us to enhance the unmanned and optionally unmanned capabilities of our craft, specifically in terms of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance while minimising risks for frontline operators."
As the maritime industry is increasingly recognising the significance of resource efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, the company's technology is being prepared to meet these requirements effectively.
"Looking ahead, we are highly optimistic about the marine industry's trajectory. As people continue to push for net zero emissions globally, the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions will rise, and we are well-equipped to meet this demand with our recyclable boats and patented hull technology."
Technological advancements are also creating new opportunities for innovation and growth, and this has led to greater confidence for business expansion in the coming years.
Mugan commented that the maritime security industry is a complex and dynamic field that is constantly evolving. The company therefore predicts that several key trends and advances will shape the direction of the industry.
"One of the most significant trends that we are seeing is the increasing adoption of advanced technology solutions, such as uncrewed systems, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. These technologies are providing new capabilities for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering, and are helping to improve situational awareness and response times.
"Another important trend is the growing awareness of the importance of cybersecurity in the maritime domain. As ships become increasingly connected and reliant on digital systems, the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches is becoming more significant. We are seeing a greater focus on cybersecurity in the industry, with a shift towards proactive risk management and the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures."
Mugan added that the push towards sustainability and net zero emissions is having a significant impact on the industry. There is a growing demand for cleaner, more efficient vessels and operations, and companies that can deliver sustainable solutions are likely to be at a competitive advantage in the coming years.
"As for the British workboat industry, we feel it is a vibrant and dynamic sector that has seen significant growth and innovation in recent years," Mugan told Baird Maritime. "Looking to the future, we are confident that we will continue to see exciting developments and new opportunities emerging."
One trend that the company believes will be increasingly important in the coming years is the focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Another important trend is the growing importance of digitalisation and connectivity in the industry. With advances in technology, there is a huge opportunity to improve the performance, efficiency, and safety of workboats through the use of advanced sensors, data analytics, and remote monitoring systems. This includes the use of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence to improve vessel operations, reduce risks to crew, and enhance performance.
"Finally, we see a growing need for vessels that are highly adaptable and versatile, capable of serving multiple roles and functions," said Mugan. "This includes vessels that can be used for a wide range of applications, from offshore wind farm maintenance to aquaculture operations and marine research."
For a list of the 2022 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.
