Ribcraft Australia, the official branch of the renowned British brand Ribcraft®, with over 30 years of experience in designing and building bespoke Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), has partnered with Edencraft International to begin local manufacturing of its high-performance RHIBs in Geelong, Victoria. This collaboration marks Ribcraft’s entry into Australian production, delivering world-class vessels for defence, government, and commercial organisations under the ‘Australian Made’ banner.
Left to right: Grant Maher, Owner at Edencraft International; Paul Liddiatt, Sales and Marketing Manager at Ribcraft Australia & Asia Pacific; Adelina Florescu, Managing Director at Ribcraft Australia & Asia Pacific; Josie Eastman-Maher, General Manager at Edencraft International; Tom Kelly, Operations and Business Development Manager at Edencraft Creative.
Key Benefits of the Partnership:
- Local manufacturing under the ‘Australian Made’ programme, supporting Australian industries and creating jobs.
- Compliance with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) NSCV standards.
- Enhanced maritime supply chain for defence, Search & Rescue (SAR), and law enforcement.
- Export potential to the APAC region.
- Sustainability and innovation in R&D, integrating cutting-edge designs, advanced materials, and propulsion systems to meet future maritime needs.
- Development of uncrewed RHIBs for next-generation maritime operations and improved human safety.
This partnership unites Ribcraft’s globally trusted RHIB designs with Edencraft’s local expertise and reputation for innovation and craftsmanship, bolstering Australia’s maritime supply chain for defence, law enforcement, and search and rescue (SAR) missions.
Local Manufacturing with a Global Standard
The Edencraft facility in Moolap, Geelong, Victoria, will serve as the hub for producing custom-built Ribcraft RHIBs that meet AMSA NSCV standards. The local manufacturing capability not only strengthens Ribcraft’s presence in the Australian market but also supports exports to the broader APAC region.
Edencraft International has invested in cutting-edge technology, including a high-tech robotic 5-axis automated machining centre specialising in plug and mould making. This advanced facility through Edencraft Creative ensures complete composite capabilities and fabrication—all under one roof. Ribcraft RHIBs will adhere to the rigorous standards that define the brand globally, using only the highest quality materials.
Why Ribcraft: Expertise in Bespoke Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) for Defence, SAR, and Law Enforcement
Ribcraft boasts over 30 years of experience designing and building bespoke RHIBs for defence, law enforcement, and professional use. With manufacturing facilities in the UK, India, Middle East, USA, and now Australia, Ribcraft delivers custom vessels to military forces, coast guards, police, commercial organisations, and SAR teams worldwide.
Key features of Ribcraft RHIBs include:
- Deep-V Hull®: Engineered in Britain for exceptional stability and performance in rough sea conditions, ensuring safety and reducing crew fatigue.
- Durable Construction: Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) hulls provide superior strength, impact resistance, and long-lasting durability, with lower maintenance needs—ideal for high-speed missions.
- Custom Inflatable Collars: Enhance stability, improve buoyancy, and provide additional impact protection for safer operations in demanding environments.
- Fully Bespoke Design: Built to exact user requirements, with custom layouts, configurations, and equipment to meet specific operational needs.
Ribcraft’s RHIBs are trusted by agencies globally for their reliability and performance in challenging environments.
Quality and Reliability at the Forefront
Both Ribcraft and Edencraft are synonymous with quality, reliability, and durability. The RHIBs produced through this partnership will provide defence, government, and professional organisations with vessels offering crew safety, high performance, longevity, and a low cost of ownership.
Leadership Commentary
Adelina Florescu, Managing Director of Ribcraft Australia, said:
“Having worked with Ribcraft for over a decade and gained hands-on experience across various regions, I have seen firsthand the craftsmanship, performance, and exceptional user experience our vessels deliver in the most challenging environments, and I am proud to bring this manufacturing capability to Australia.
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 globally, is both inspiring and exciting. Under the ‘Australian Made’ banner, we are driving innovation and upholding the highest standards of performance and reliability for defence, law enforcement, and commercial operations.”
Josie Eastman-Maher, General Manager of Edencraft, added:
“This partnership with Ribcraft Australia marks a defining moment for Edencraft as we extend our manufacturing expertise into the defence and government sectors. By combining Ribcraft’s globally trusted RHIB designs with Edencraft’s legacy of crafting boats built to excel in the most challenging maritime conditions, and keeping innovation at the heart of all we do, we’re delivering world-class vessels proudly made in Australia. This collaboration strengthens our nation’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities while upholding our unwavering commitment to quality, durability, and performance.”
