Eureka Naval Craft unveils new vessels for defense and commercial markets

AIRCAT Bengal design. (Credit: Eureka Naval Craft)

Dover, Del.-based Eureka Naval Craft has officially launched its line of Surface Effect Ships (SES), a next-generation class of naval vessels. The company, which has been operating in a low-profile development phase for several years, is now entering the maritime sector with designs that blend proven technologies from both the commercial and defense industries.

Eureka’s vessels represent the 6th generation of SES technology, which was first introduced by the U.S. Navy in the 1960s. These ships are built using established design principles and modern technologies, providing flexibility for a range of military and civilian operations. According to Bo Jardine, CEO of Eureka Naval Craft, the vessels are capable of adapting to various missions, including special operations, air defense, sea denial, search and rescue, counter-smuggling, and patrols in exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

“Our naval vessels offer the defense industry a versatile platform that can be easily adapted to meet a wide array of mission needs, while offering the added advantage of being cost-effective compared to traditional naval designs,” said Jardine. “The flexibility of our vessels allows for seamless integration into various defense, security, and commercial operations.”

Technology and Cost-Efficiency

Though primarily designed for military and defense applications, Eureka’s ships leverage technologies from the offshore energy industry, including oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. This integration allows the company to offer vessels that may be more cost-effective than some traditional defense craft. The vessels are also designed for construction in Tier 2 and Tier 3 shipyards, which could make them more accessible and easier to maintain than higher-end military vessels, potentially benefiting regions with more limited defense budgets.

“By building upon technologies already proven in offshore industries, we can offer naval clients a high-performance vessel at a more competitive price,” said Jardine. “Our vessels are not just high-tech—they’re also cost-efficient to build and maintain, ensuring long-term value for our clients.”

Versatility

Eureka’s naval vessels are designed for a variety of potential users, including naval forces, coast guards, border patrol agencies, private security firms, and maritime port authorities. While the primary focus is on defense applications, the vessels can also be adapted for use in commercial sectors such as offshore energy, renewable energy, and possibly private security.

“The versatility of our designs means they can be easily reconfigured for civilian commercial use, offering a unique tri-use model: defense, offshore energy, and renewable sectors,” Jardine explained.

While Eureka’s vessels are not intended for general commercial trade, they are based on design principles and technologies that have been used in offshore industries. The vessels share a lineage with designs currently in service in the offshore oil and gas and wind sectors, reflecting a connection between these commercial applications and the company’s move into the maritime defense market.

The Road Ahead

Eureka Naval Craft’s new focus on the naval defense market comes at a time when modern naval forces are increasingly looking for flexible, multi-purpose vessels that can be adapted for a range of missions. Eureka’s vessels combine design elements from both commercial and military applications, aiming to address the increasing demand for versatile and high-performance naval craft.

The company is in its early stages and aims to expand its customer base across both the defense and commercial sectors. For now, it is focusing on delivering its naval vessels to military and security clients, while also exploring opportunities to broaden its offerings as the maritime industry evolves.

Eureka’s official launch marks the start of its efforts to establish a presence in the naval market, with plans to adapt and refine its solutions to meet changing needs in the coming years.