ESNA Unveils Surface Effect Ship Technology for UK-Norwegian Joint Commando Craft Program
ESNA Unveils Surface Effect Ship Technology for UK-Norwegian Joint Commando Craft Program
Publish Date: 2026-05-29 04:17:00
Source Domain: www.navalnews.com
On May 25, 2026, ESNA unveiled Surface Effect Ship (SES) Technology for the UK-Norwegian Joint Commando Craft (JCC) Program, which aims to upgrade the Norwegian Coastal Ranger Commando’s (Kystjegerkommandoen) current vessel and provide the UK Commando Force with a new surface manoeuvre capability.
ESNA press release
Drawing on 40 years of Surface Effect Ship (SES) expertise, ESNA proposes a 22 m craft designed for littoral commando operations in harsh arctic conditions.
“We have designed a vessel that stands out with a maximum speed of 67 knots,” says Naval Architect and Co-founder of ESNA, Trygve Halvorsen Espeland. “The vessel further offers a comfortable air-cushioned service speed of 35-45 knots, and has unique beach landing capabilities utilizing the air cushion and an integrated bow ramp.”
The vessel is fully prepared for future warfighting, integrating features such as drones, embedded sensors, low signatures, high load carrying capacity, and rapid all-weather response capabilities, whether manned or fully unmanned.
The craft operates with a crew of 3 and offers a load carrying capacity of up to 14 tons, accommodating vehicles, drones, missile systems, and remote controlled weapons systems. It can deploy up to 24 fully equipped troops to remote beaches at speeds ranging from 45 to 67 knots, depending on loading and weather conditions. Advanced situation awareness and communications systems are also integrated.
ESNA picture
The active air cushioned motion damping system ensures troops arrive ready for action and well-rested. Personnel and mobility assets—including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles—exit the vessel via a large bow ramp. The air cushion provides unique beaching performance by lifting the vessel off the beach upon departure, allowing for very shallow beach landings.
ESNA has demonstrated the beach landing capabilities of an SES with the daughter…
