Hovercraft sale expands offshore oil and gas support capacity in Caspian Sea

(WO) - Griffon Marine has sold its BHT-130 series hovercraft Solent Express to Caspian Offshore Construction (COC), where the vessel will support oil and gas operations in the North Caspian Sea.

The hovercraft, to be renamed Caspian Eagle, will be deployed as part of COC’s offshore support fleet, providing personnel transport, emergency response and logistics services across remote and environmentally challenging areas.

Operations in the North Caspian present complex conditions, including shallow waters, mudflats and seasonal ice, as well as extreme temperature ranges. Hovercraft are well suited to these environments due to their amphibious capability, enabling access across water, ice and land where conventional vessels are limited.

COC said the addition of the vessel will enhance its ability to support offshore infrastructure and respond to operational and safety requirements in the region. The hovercraft will join an existing unit in the fleet, expanding capacity for personnel transfer and standby support.

The BHT-130 platform has been used in a range of marine environments, including ferry and remote transport applications, and is designed for high-capacity operations in demanding coastal conditions.

“Hovercraft are adaptable platforms, capable of operating in a wide range of environments… including complex oil and gas operations,” said Griffon Marine CEO Mark Downer.

The deployment highlights the continued use of specialized marine assets to support offshore activity in regions with limited accessibility and challenging operating conditions.