Ultimate Boats, a Glasgow-based boat builder, has unveiled two cutting-edge workboats at the Seawork trade fair: the 7.5m Coastal C-Class and the 11.5m Tactical T-Class. These vessels, showcasing revolutionary design by John Moxham and innovative DANUTM composite material technology from Exo Technologies, are tailored for military and police use. The Tactical T-Class ‘Lightning’ was demonstrated in a strategic partnership with Hampshire Police, illustrating its suitability for high-stakes maritime operations.
Shane Mugan, owner of Ultimate Boats, expressed pride in the sustainable advancements the company has made. The use of DANUTM, a fully recyclable composite material, marks a pivotal shift towards eco-friendly maritime solutions, addressing the significant challenge of fibreglass disposal. This material not only offers environmental benefits but also meets high performance and safety standards, including ballistic capabilities.
In addition to their environmental contributions, Ultimate Boats has focused on integrating cutting-edge technology into their craft. The ExoHullTM design, influenced by aerospace technology from the XB-70 Valkyrie, enables enhanced speed, efficiency, and stability in water, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The company is also exploring autonomous and electric propulsion to further advance their sustainable vessel offerings.
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Ultimate Boats acknowledges the growing demand for sustainability, prompted by new regulations such as IMO 2020, and the increasing role of digital technology in enhancing maritime safety and efficiency. The adoption of AI, automation, and cybersecurity measures is setting new standards in the shipbuilding industry, pushing Ultimate Boats to remain at the forefront of innovation.
The company’s progress is evident not only in technological advancements but also in its robust business performance, with a significant rise in demand from global military and law enforcement agencies. The acquisition of a leading autonomous technology company has expanded their market reach and capabilities, particularly in unmanned maritime systems.
As the maritime industry moves towards greater sustainability and digital integration, Ultimate Boats is poised to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring their position as a leader in high-performance, environmentally responsible maritime solutions.
