Naval Architecture Firm MAURIC Celebrates 80 Years of Innovative Designs in Marseille
 

From left to right : Fabrice Ghozlan, François Sébilo, Vincent Seguin, Jean-Pierre Le Goff, Hervé Guillou,
Jérôme Bendell, Pascal Lemesle, and Jean-Charles Nahon.

André MAURIC's designs have marked French and international maritime history in the second half of the 20th century. Decorated with the Maritime Merit, he is the only naval architect to have received the Academy of Architecture medal for his life's work. André Mauric notably designed the famous Pen Duick VI for Éric Tabarly, the Acajou yacht, the First 30 for Bénéteau, the Alcyone for Captain Cousteau whilst developing ranges of patrol vessels in collaboration with the Esterel Shipyards. A pioneer in design using digital tools and hydrodynamic optimisation from the 1980s, he laid the foundations for a scientific approach and the digitalisation of the naval architecture profession.

To mark this anniversary, MAURIC organised a celebration on 5 May 2025 in its founding city: Marseille, attended by its staff, partners, clients, stockholders and former employees. It was an opportunity to look back on a rich history of more than sea proven 500 vessels designs, operating in 50 countries.

A DNA FOUNDED ON INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE

Since 1945, MAURIC has developed custom-made vessels, both civilian and military, meeting complex and specific requirements. This historical dual activity (civilian/defence) has allowed it to acquire unique expertise, consolidated by a culture of high-level engineering: from concept design to detailed studies, from numerical simulation to the integration of complex systems and contracting authority assistance. For 80 years, engineering and performance research have remained at the heart of MAURIC's projects, serving its shipowners clients.

The company distinguishes itself by:

• Its continuous innovation, incorporating the latest expertise in hydrodynamics, propulsion, materials, structure and systems engineering;
• Its Versatility in the maritime industry, with solutions adapted to each need: passengers, security, energy, fishing, logistics, defence, maritime services;
• Its ability to provide complete services, from preliminary design to project management assistance and shipyard supervision;
• Its involvement in the transformation of the maritime world, offering decarbonisation solutions as well as safer ships with high levels of operability.

EXPERTISE APPLIED TO A WIDE VARIETY OF VESSELS

MAURIC has designed and built more than 500 vessels from 10 to 136 metres, as well as thousands of preliminary designs and concept studies for multiple uses, including:

• Defence & security : patrol boats, coast guards, fast crafts, rescue vessels; 
  
• Offshore & energy : crew-boats, support and supply vessels;
• Scientific research : oceanographic ships, hydrographic launches, offshore survey vessels;
• Passenger transport : ferries, hybrid launches, ro-pax vessels;
• Fishing vessels : trawlers, tuna boats, netters;
• Maritime service : tugboats, pusher crafts, multi-mission vessels, buoy tenders;
• Cargo ships and freight transport ;
• Pleasure craft : motor yachts, sailing boats for leisure or ocean racing.

These sea proven vessels are mostly recognised for their performance, comfort and energy efficiency.

MAURIC TODAY AND TOMORROW : COURSE SET FOR RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION

With about forty staff spread across three sites in Marseille, Nantes and Belgium, MAURIC will open an office in Singapore in June 2025, thus consolidating its international reach.

Part of the Exail group, MAURIC plays a central role in the development of autonomous naval platforms (USV), particularly in the field of defence and mine warfare. MAURIC is indeed responsible for the design and also the project management of the USV Inspector 125 and Inspector 90 platforms of the Exail group. Built by its subsidiary MAURIC Belgium, these platforms benefit from all the expertise MAURIC has acquired over 80 years in terms of performance, structure optimisation and hydrodynamics.

MAURIC is also a committed player in the maritime energy transition:

• In the design of sailing vessels, such as the NEOLINER Origin, a 136m sailing cargo ship, as well as a patrol boat for Maritime Affairs with wind assisted propulsion ;
• In the development and use of decarbonised fuel, such as the ALBA vessel, the first zero-emission fishing training vessel with 100% electro-hydrogen propulsion;
• In the development of hybridisation and electric propulsion solutions, with numerous hybrid vessel projects over the past fifteen years;
• Through a systemic approach that offers comprehensive solutions adapted to its clients, providing a reduction in the environmental impact of vessels throughout their lifecycle: choice of materials, optimisation of structures and design, design sobriety, recyclability to support virtuous vessel design.

For 80 years, MAURIC has been designing reliable, sustainable and customised solutions, in a logic of long-term partnership with its shipowner clients, shipyards and sea industry partners. It is this culture of excellence, integrity and technical expertise, initiated by André MAURIC, that the company celebrates today, confidently looking towards the future.

From left to right, Vincent Seguin: Chairman, François Sébilo: Chief Executive Officer and Fabrice Ghozlan: Sales and Business Development Director, on 5 May 2025 at La Nautique restaurant in Marseille, during MAURIC's 80th anniversary celebration.