Arksen launches Arksen Pro for defence and commercial vessels

British design and boatbuilding company, Arksen is launching Arksen Pro, a new specialist division focused on vessels and technical apparel the commercial and defence sectors.

The company has recently delivered its first consignment of vessels to a Southeast Asian Navy.

The Arksen Pro team will be led by mananging director Andrew Whittaker and Jim Mair, chief technical officer. Arksen was founded in 2019 by Jasper Smith, who discussed his rapid expansion and business growth with MIN earlier this year.

Arksen Pro and the latest craft will be showcased at Seawork, Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition in Southampton at stand Q91.

Arksen says its new division, to include the long-established Ring Powercraft, a company within the Arksen group, reflects its commitment to creating purpose-built systems that support those working at the front line of defence, safety, and humanitarian missions.

The Arksen Pro collection includes rigid and inflatable boats from 5 to 13 metres, aluminium cabin vessels from 10 to 20 metres, and larger displacement hull patrol boats designed for extended missions in challenging conditions. The range will offer modular architecture, multiple propulsion options, and compatibility with classification standards such as Lloyd’s, RINA or DNV.

One of its recent innovations is the Vampire 1250, a 13-metre multi-role platform engineered for search and rescue, border control, interception, anti-piracy, subsea surveillance and long-range equipment deployment. Powered by twin Yanmar 8LV engines and waterjets, the Vampire 1250 achieves speeds of up to 40 knots while offering excellent seakeeping and dry running, thanks to its proven deep V hull design.

Its modular deck system is designed to aid rapid reconfiguration to suit mission requirements.

The first three Vampire 1250 vessels have recently been commissioned and are in operation.

In addition to its growing fleet of vessels, Arksen Pro will introduce a range of custom apparel tailored specifically to the needs of the commercial and defence sectors. The range offers a modular performance clothing system for versatility and will include purpose-built garments designed to meet the practical demands of extended missions and rapid-response operations.

“Arksen Pro marks an exciting evolution of our mission,” says Andrew Whittaker, managing director of Arksen Pro said. “Our vessels in the leisure sector have always been built to commercial standards, and we are already a major provider of ribs to the whale watching, commercial and defence sectors, so this new division is designed to allow us to better serve these core markets.”

“Arksen Pro meets the demanding needs of professional marine operators, across the defence and commercial sectors. There are ever-changing requirements in these sectors, placing a high value on rapid deployment of assets, autonomy and reliability in the field. As operational costs increase, the importance of minimising downtime is all-important – necessitating vessels that are designed for punishing environments and extensively tested by professional operators.” Jim Mair, chief technical officer.