9 June 2025
Member News
Expanding Operational Reach with Adaptive Vessels and Mission Ready Apparel
Arksen, a pioneering British design and engineering company, announced the launch of Arksen Pro, a specialist division focused on advanced, mission-ready vessels and technical apparel for professional operators in the commercial and defence sectors. Arksen Pro offers vessels trusted for critical operations worldwide, delivering uncompromising performance, reliability, and endurance in the most demanding environments. The company has recently delivered its first consignment of vessels to a Southeast Asian Navy.
The Arksen Pro team, headed by Andrew Whittaker and Jim Mair, brings more than five decades of British marine engineering heritage and design expertise to a global market. The new division, to include the long-established Ring Powercraft, a company within the group, reflects Arksen’s commitment to creating exceptional, purpose-built systems that support those working at the front line of defence, safety, and humanitarian missions.
A Refined Approach to Performance and Utility
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.
Each vessel is engineered to deliver reliability, endurance, and operational flexibility. Modular architecture, multiple propulsion options, and compatibility with classification standards such as Lloyd’s, RINA or DNV ensure every vessel meets the highest safety and performance benchmarks. Supported by Arksen’s dedicated technical team, these vessels are built to perform when it matters most.
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 allows rapid reconfiguration to suit mission requirements, with Arksen’s team working closely with operators to ensure seamless integration, maintenance ease, and durability for long-term use.
The first three Vampire 1250 vessels have recently been commissioned and are in operation.
Apparel Designed for Operators, Informed by Experience
In additon 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. Building on the brand’s established foul weather jacket line, the collection introduces a modular performance clothing system designed to provide a versatile and adaptive technical layering solution.
Going beyond traditional outerwear, the collection will offer purpose-built garments designed to meet the practical demands of extended missions and rapid-response operations. Crafted from pioneering technical fabrics, the apparel delivers exceptional durability, protection, and versatility to ensure maximum performance in challenging conditions.
- Foul Weather Jacket
- Obex
- Casus 1/2 zip fleece
- Nox Hoody
- Polaris Trouser
- Guara Shorts
- Base layers
Looking Ahead
“Arksen Pro marks an exciting evolution of our mission,” said 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, Arksen Pro
For more information please contact: sales@arksen.com
