Experimental stealth vessel 'The Ghost' draws attention at Portland shipyard
Maine Port Hosts 38‑Foot Stealth Vessel “The Ghost” for Military Trials
Portland, Maine – A 38‑foot experimental stealth vessel, nicknamed “The Ghost,” has taken up moorings in the harbor of Portland, the largest city on Maine’s coast. The vessel is a new prototype designed for military use, boasting a streamlined hull that minimizes radar signature while also engineered for high speed and stable handling in rough waters.
The Ghost has been docked at the Portland Marine Terminal, where it is undergoing a series of trials that will test its performance under a range of sea states. Naval analysts say that stealth technology is increasingly important for modern littoral operations, and a smaller, nimble platform such as the Ghost could fill a gap between larger combat ships and unmanned surface vessels.
“We’re looking at how this platform can maintain high speeds while still presenting a low radar cross‑section,” said a spokesperson for the project, who requested anonymity because the program is still in its early stages. “The stability tests are also critical because the vessel must remain operational in the choppy conditions typical of the Gulf of Maine.”
The design features a composite hull that reduces radar reflectivity and a special paint coating that further masks the vessel’s presence. According to the engineering team, the Ghost’s propulsion system is tuned to allow rapid acceleration and deceleration, an advantage for missions that require sudden changes in speed or direction. The vessel’s relatively small footprint—just 38 feet from bow to stern—means it can navigate shallow coastal waters that would be inaccessible to larger ships.
Portland’s harbor has long been a testing ground for naval and marine technology. The arrival of the Ghost follows a series of visits by other experimental vessels, including autonomous drones and high‑speed ferries. Local officials say the presence of the Ghost could bring new attention and investment to the city’s maritime sector.
“We welcome any technology that can help keep our coastal waters secure,” said Mayor Anna K. Larkin. “While the program is still in development, it’s exciting to see cutting‑edge work taking place right here on our shoreline.”
The Ghost’s status as an experimental platform means that its operational details remain classified. However, the project’s sponsors are reportedly in discussions with the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense to explore potential applications ranging from coastal surveillance to rapid response operations.
The vessel is expected to remain in Portland for several months while engineers run endurance and performance tests. The data collected could inform future naval procurement and help refine the design of smaller stealth assets for use in contested maritime environments.
As the Ghost slowly moves through the harbor, it serves as a reminder that even the quietest innovations can have a big impact on national security. Maine’s waters will likely continue to play a role in shaping the next generation of naval technology.
