Edencraft partners with Ribcraft Australia for local manufacturing of RHIB vessels

In 2023, Edencraft installed a new CMS Poseidon, the largest 5 axis CNC milling machine in Australia. Less than two years later, that same machine is set to produce Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, in partnership with Ribcraft Australia, a division of the UK-based Ribcraft company.

Ribcraft began making vessels in the late 80s, and quickly became leaders in the niche. Known for designing and producing deep-V hull inflatable boats that safely navigated rough, choppy seas, they won British defence and government contracts. Soon, overseas demand followed; bringing manufacturing to the USA, Middle East, and India. Australia is the latest country to be added to the list; with the company’s local division, Ribcraft Australia, joining forces with Edencraft to produce RHIB vessels on-shore.

“The partnership with Edencraft not only allows us to build world-class rigid inflatable boats here in Australia, but also  strengthens our nation’s sovereign maritime capabilities. Witnessing these boats being built locally, with the same attention to detail that Ribcraft is renowned for, is both inspiring and exciting,” remarked Ribcraft Australia’s Managing Director, Adelina Florescu.

While the main focus of the partnership is on producing Australia-made RHIBs for use in defence and law enforcement, its purpose goes beyond manufacturing.

Along with fabricating Ribcraft’s iconic designs, Edencraft will contribute ingenuity and engineering expertise to next-generation propulsion vessels, as well as the development of uncrewed RHIBs.

“This partnership signifies a new chapter for Edencraft as we expand into defence and government sectors.” says Josie Eastman (nee Maher); General Manager for Edencraft International and it’s subsidiaries. “Combining Ribcraft’s proven RHIB designs with our legacy of quality and innovation, we’re proud to produce vessels that meet Australia’s most demanding needs.”

The RHIBs, set to be produced in Edencraft’s Geelong facilities, will be manufactured on the high-precision CMS Poseidon, supplied and serviced by Innovync. The combined efforts of Edencraft and Ribcraft Australia will go towards supplying domestic defence efforts; with a view to export craft to neighbouring countries in the Asia-Pacific region once Australian demand is satisfied.