RIGA — March 23, 2026 : Latvian ship design and construction firm Latitude Construction, operating under the Latitude Yachts brand, has established a new defense-focused subsidiary, Latitude Naval Technologies, at the Port of Riga. The new entity will focus on the development and production of modern offshore platforms designed for maritime security and defense operations.
The announcement was made in coordination with the Freeport of Riga Authority, which confirmed the establishment of the subsidiary on March 18, 2026, as part of broader efforts to expand the port’s role as a hub for advanced maritime and defense-related manufacturing.
Formation of Latitude Naval Technologies
The newly formed Latitude Naval Technologies is positioned as a dedicated unit for defense-oriented shipbuilding, leveraging the parent company’s more than 20 years of experience in vessel design and construction.
The subsidiary will operate from facilities at the Port of Riga, where Latitude Construction currently maintains a 3,000-square-meter workshop along with additional premises totaling approximately 10,000 square meters. The company plans to expand infrastructure specifically for composite shipbuilding to support current and future defense programs.
The initiative introduces a new segment within Latvia’s shipbuilding sector, combining established commercial expertise with the development of specialized platforms for security applications.
LNT-27 Tactical Catamaran
As part of the launch, the company unveiled its first defense platform, the LNT-27 tactical catamaran. The vessel is designed as a fast, stable, and efficient maritime platform intended for a range of operational roles.
According to the company, the LNT-27 is configured for maritime security operations, coastal and offshore patrol missions, and specialized defense tasks requiring high maneuverability and operational stability. The catamaran design is expected to enhance speed and balance, particularly in challenging sea conditions.
The platform is intended to support rapid deployment scenarios and sustained patrol activities, aligning with the operational requirements of maritime security forces.
Manufacturing Approach and Technical Capabilities
Latitude Naval Technologies will emphasize the use of advanced composite materials in vessel construction. While Latitude Construction has historically worked with steel and aluminum, the new subsidiary will expand the use of lightweight composite structures to improve performance and efficiency.
The company’s manufacturing capabilities include the production of large-scale composite structures and the use of robotic precision milling technologies. These systems enable the creation of complex geometries and high-precision components required for modern naval platforms.
Through established partnerships across Europe and the United States, the company integrates advanced engineering solutions and production methods into its shipbuilding processes. These partnerships support technology transfer and the implementation of modern manufacturing techniques within Latvia.
Workforce and Industrial Development
The establishment of Latitude Naval Technologies is expected to contribute to Latvia’s industrial and economic development by creating high value-added jobs and expanding local engineering expertise.
The company has initiated recruitment efforts targeting naval architects, engineers, technicians, and other technical specialists. The focus is on building a workforce capable of supporting next-generation marine technology development and sustaining long-term production capabilities.
By utilizing local personnel and resources, the project aims to strengthen national competencies in shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.
Strategic Context
The development of the new subsidiary aligns with broader regional trends toward enhancing maritime security capabilities and expanding domestic defense industries. The Port of Riga has been positioning itself as a center for innovation in maritime and defense manufacturing, with Latitude Naval Technologies representing an additional component of this industrial cluster.
The initiative is also intended to support the long-term maritime security needs of Latvia and its partners by providing locally developed platforms suited to modern operational requirements.
Outlook for Further Development
While the LNT-27 tactical catamaran represents the first platform under the new subsidiary, the company has indicated that additional projects and vessel designs may follow as operations expand.
No specific timelines for production scaling or additional platform announcements have been disclosed. Further updates are expected as Latitude Naval Technologies advances its development and manufacturing activities within the Port of Riga.
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