Griffon Marine sells Solent Express, BHT-130 hovercraft to be renamed Caspian Eagle
Griffon Marine has confirmed the sale of its BHT-130 series hovercraft Solent Express to Caspian Offshore Construction, a major offshore support provider with operations spanning the Caspian Sea and the Middle East.
Built as part of Griffon’s established BHT-130 range, Solent Express—which will be renamed Caspian Eagle—has built a strong track record as a high-capacity passenger hovercraft. Engineered for dependable performance in challenging coastal conditions, the vessel has proven its versatility across ferry operations while highlighting the durable design and engineering standards associated with Griffon Marine’s fleet.
The hovercraft will now begin a new chapter operating in the North Caspian as part of a fleet of icebreakers, tugs, accommodation and specialised vessels, ensuring safe and efficient service for oil and gas projects. The region presents uniquely challenging conditions, including extremely shallow waters and temperature extremes ranging from -35°C in winter to +40°C in summer. Hovercraft and Caspian Eagle are particularly well-suited to this environment, with their amphibious capability enabling safe, rapid response across water, mudflats and ice conditions that are expected to become even more variable as North Caspian sea levels fluctuate.
Caspian Offshore Construction operations are focused on supporting critical oil and gas infrastructure, providing emergency standby cover and personnel transportation and evacuation services. The addition of Caspian Eagle will significantly enhance their ability to respond quickly and effectively in remote and hazardous locations.
Caspian Eagle will join her sister craft, Caspian Falcon – formerly known as Suna X -which is already part of the Caspian Offshore Construction fleet successfully operating in the area over last nine years. The Suna X design, a licensed variant of the BHT-130 built by Kvichak Marine Industries in Seattle, USA, was originally configured for passenger and cargo transport, serving remote Alaskan communities where conventional transport options were limited. Today, both craft will operate together to support offshore energy operations in one of the world’s most demanding marine environments.
Mark Downer, CEO of Griffon Marine, said: “Hovercraft are ultimately adaptable platforms, capable of operating in an extraordinary range of environments, from inland passenger ferry services to supporting complex oil and gas operations. It is a testament to the original build quality and design of these remarkable BHT-130 hovercraft that they continue to deliver value today and will do so long into the future, even in some of the most extreme operating conditions on earth.”
Timur Sharapiev, Director General, Caspian Offshore Construction added: “We are delighted to welcome the second of these highly capable BHT-130 hovercraft into our fleet. Their proven performance and versatility make them ideally suited to our operations in the North Caspian Sea, where reliability and adaptability are critical to ensuring the safety of offshore personnel.”
