Glasgow Boat Builder Ultimate Boats Wins New Deal to Build Two Recyclable Military Ribs

Glasgow UK boat builder Ultimate Boats is building two new recyclable rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) after winning a deal with a UK maritime security client.

The 11.5m boats named Lightning are being created with military veterans and are capable of high-speed transportation of fully equipped troops engaged in a range of missions.

Duties will include, counter-terrorism, strategic reconnaissance, direct action raids, border patrols, and search and rescue (SAR).

Royal Marines Colonel Tom Ryall MBE who is joining Ultimate Boats’ parent company ExoTechnologies as managing director for Defence said the design includes advanced navigation and communication systems with a strong emphasis on crew safety and comfort including shock-mitigation seating.

Lightning’s specification features a propulsion setup with two Suzuki DF350A outboard engines with counter-rotating propellers to provide improved thrust and stability for high transit speeds and precise manoeuvres.  The vessels also include a comprehensive electronics package including Raymarine radar with target identification and collision avoidance capabilities, a chart plotter, and a Teledyne FLIR thermal imaging camera.

“What sets the electronics system apart is not just the choice of high-end components but the way these systems integrate with our vessel’s design,” Ryall said. “There are also SHOXS suspension seats and a tactical helm console. A SHOXS deck track system enables quick reconfiguration of the wheelhouse and deck layouts to suit various mission requirements.”

Designed to be an asset with multiple uses, the Lightning vessels will be able to serve as launchable tenders to a mothership.  The design enables rapid deployment for maritime missions that involve interception and boarding of other craft.

“One of the biggest challenges in the design was balancing high-speed performance with stability in diverse sea conditions,” Mr Ryall said. “Achieving this required innovative approaches in naval architecture, and proprietary hull technology, which was developed by Ultimate Boats’ chief engineer John Moxham and derived from advanced aeronautical and fluid dynamics principles. This innovation reduces cavitation, enhances propulsion efficiency, and ensures agility and manoeuvrability.”

The vessels are built using DANU, ExoTechnologies’ patented, fully recyclable composite material.

“DANU is a critical aspect of the build but incorporating it posed a unique challenge,” Ryall added. “We had to balance the need for durability and lightweight agility essential for high-speed operations while adhering to our commitment to sustainability.”

Client feedback has been positive. The UK maritime security client reports the test craft outperforms their previous vessels made from conventional materials, while the use of recycled materials helps them work towards their sustainability targets.

Another challenge identified during the design phase was integrating state-of-the-art technology with limited space and a requirement to minimise weight. A solution was to create a vessel where the layout could be altered depending on mission need.

“We had to consider various mission profiles and ensure the vessel could be quickly reconfigured without compromising on performance or safety.” Ryall said.