Notable Ship Building Companies

Elias Black
Article info & outline

Aeon Dynamics - Axion Galactic

A venerable manufacturer known for producing commercial craft with a focus on functionality and aesthetics specifically for use by Aeon Dynamics and its subsidiaries. AD-AG will sell ships to other groups but at considerable markup. AG ships are known for not just being balanced but ingeniously, something they are able to do in part due to proprietary materials and technologies developed in-house within the AD family of companies. AG is also notable for having absorbed Velent Industries, the original creators of the magnetic coil fusion drive. The Velent name still holds weight among many starfarers as some of its earliest designs and ships continue to be used over a century later, a testament to the original companies focus on redundancy, durability, and function over form.

Ship Model Naming Conventions:

  • Celestial Bodies and Phenomena and Constellations (E.g. Nova, Quasar, Nebula, Comet, Pulsar, Eclipse, Zenith, Orion, Draco, Phoenix, Hydra, Pegasus, Lyra, Centaurus)

Attar Technologies - Isarrow Orbital

The originators of Altspace loops, IO is a unique manufacturer with direct access to over a century of Attar R&D on Tenebrium and Altspace based research. As a result they are known for two things; continuing to be the primary manufacturer of Altspace loops, and incorporating next-generation Tenebrium and Altspace based technology into their ship designs.

*Ship Model Naming Conventions**:

  • Abstract Concepts and Quantum Phenomena (e.g. Quanta, Paradigm, Nexus, Singularity, Paradox, Flux, Axiom)
  • Ancient Board Games (e.g. Senet, Mancala, Xiangqi, Tafl, Pachisi, Konane, Alquerque, Liubo)

Centauri Democratic Union - Vector Mechanics

One of the most prolific shipbuilders of the era, VM ships favour versatile and modular designs that can be quickly adapted to various needs and allowing for easy customization and upgrades by the end-user. An example is their Zebu-class freighter is a prime example of VM's philosophy, capable of being reconfigured from a bulk carrier to a passenger liner within days. The cost of this modular design comes in recognition; VM ships lack some of the prestige enjoyed by other ships and are largely seen as unremarkable work horses. VM uses a unionized labour force leveraging automation and a network of modern shipyards and autofactories located in the Proxima in the creation of its ships.

Ship Model Naming Conventions:

  • Commercial Ship Classes = Animals (e.g. Zebu, Falcon, Viper, Lynx, Wolf, Sparrow, Crane)
  • Military ship classes = Polearms (e.g. Glaive, Bardiche, Halberd, Harpoon, Trident, Naginata, Pike, Poleaxe, Spear, Atgeir, Ji, Dory, Falx, Kontos, Sarissa, Xyston, Ngao, Fauchard, Guisarme, Svardstav, Yari, Voulge, Woldo, Guandao, Podao, Barcha, Ballam, Corsque)

Innovation Technologies - Apogee Space Industries

Known for their inspired designs and use of highly integrated cybernetic interfaces and AI-assisted operations, ASI ships pioneered the now common use of Bosun AI's to supplement or replace ship crew. This approach to automation also extends to their shipyard facilities which are overseen by AI Foremen and extensive networks of robotic builders. As a result, ASI offers extensive customization options, allowing customers to have significant input on the final design of their vehicles. Continued cultural anxiety about AI has limited ASI's market however as many militaries refuse to work with shipbuilders which use the levels of automation that ASI does.

Ship Model Naming Conventions:

  • Visionaries and Innovators (e.g. Turing, Hawking, Lovelace, Curie, Einstein, Bohr, Galileo, Brahe, Da Vinci, Newton, Magellan, Socrates)

Independent - Medici Shipyards

Headquartered in a mobile shipyard complex in CDU space and specialising in bespoke spacecraft construction, Medici is best known for Treating each vessel as a unique work of art, occupying a singular position in spacecraft manufacturing. Founded by Mikolai Phillips after leaving Axion Galactic, Medici specializes in creating one-of-a-kind vessels that combine cutting-edge technology with artisanal craftsmanship. Each ship undergoes oversight from a triumvirate of master shipwrights focusing on engineering excellence, aesthetic distinction, and client requirements. The company attracts the most innovative minds in spacecraft design by offering creative freedom rarely available at larger manufacturers. This approach has established Medici as the premier constructor for unique vessels commissioned by wealthy individuals, corporations, and occasionally governments seeking statement pieces rather than standard transportation. Their willingness to incorporate experimental technologies and materials rejected by mass producers further distinguishes their creations from conventional spacecraft. Medici's exclusive focus on bespoke vessels has earned them a reputation as a prestige badge and criticism for catering primarily to elite clients rather than advancing mainstream space travel. However, their design innovations frequently filter into broader industry practices, and their demonstrated viability of unconventional approaches has inspired more conservative manufacturers to reconsider established design paradigms.

Ship Model Naming Conventions:

  • Medici does not produce 'models'; each ship is distinct and has a unique class and name

Redrock Resources - Keppel Cosmos

Also known pejoratively as the Brick Factory, KC is known for their rugged, industrial focus resulting in brutally pragmatic designs that are functional and utilitarian above all else. KC's main market is mining and industrial vessels, resource extraction platforms, and tugs, producing highly specialized and durable vehicles for extracting, managing, and moving resources and heavy materials.

Ship Model Naming Conventions:

  • Geological and Mining Terms (e.g. Quarry, Forge, Crucible, Rig, Driller, Loader)

Solaris Republic - Tanngris Wright Stellarworks

The primary contractor for the Solaris Republic is known for their comprehensive catalogue of vessels and platforms to serve both colonial and military needs. TWS mixes spartan functionality with ingenious and ergonomic designs and their ships are well respected among starfarers. Unfortunately they are also a monolithic organisation with considerable oversight and unresponsive management, a situation which has resulted in long periods between new designs and limited market share outside the SR. TWS main ship lines are built in Sol but there are persistent rumors that the company has a secret shipyard located in the isolated Seth system working on next-generation vessels.

Ship Model Naming Conventions :

  • Military Virtues and Tactical Terms (e.g. Valor, Vigilant, Resolute, Sentinel, Vanguard, Bulwark, Aegis, Citadel) and,
  • Legendary Warriors and Heroes (e.g. Achilles, Beowulf, Gilgamesh, Hercules, Leonidas, Roland, Siegfried)

The Covenant of the Sacred Assembly - Khalid-Judah

Khalid-Judah focuses on space infrastructure and transportation, building the warships and stations that carry the Covenant's message to the stars. In the LSC and the frontier KJ ships are objects of fear and loathing due to their use in 'missions', actions taken to forcibly convert and enslave the people of the frontier. KJ adheres to CSA doctrine, eschewing AI systems and anything that could be perceived as 'impure' such as Rev, Cymera, or even female influence in ship design and construction. KJ ships are designed with strict adherence to doctrine featuring external hull patterns that double as enormous religious symbols. Their ships are built using indentured labour in the vast shipyards located throughout the Wolf system. KJ is also known for ship 'conversions', taking captured vessels from other manufacturers, stripping them to their superstructure and rebuilding them according to CSA doctrine.

Ship Model Naming Conventions:

  • Biblical and Quranic Figures for all ship classes (e.g. Gabriel, Ishmael, Ezekiel, Salomon, Elijah, Fatima, Maryam, Zainab)

Xian Lothal - Bellatrix Astra

A name synonymous with futuristic, BA produces sleek, technologically advanced designs that sometimes sacrifice function for form. Despite this, BA ships are well regarded, offering some modularity and customization (in contrast to Isarrow Orbitals locked in designs) and popular among starfarers with the means to afford them. Perhaps its most notable feature is BA's pioneering use of molecular construction tech, enormous biot filled pools known colloquially as "Looms" that are used to produce large portions of each ship. *

Ship Model Naming Conventions:

  • Commerical Ship Classes = Precious Gems and Minerals (e.g. Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Opal, Topaz, Amethyst, Garnet);
  • Military Ship Classes = Mythic Winds (e.g. Anemoi, Boreas > Aquilo, Zephyrus > Favonius, Notus > Auster, Eurus > Vulturnus, Kaikias, Apeliotes, Skiron, Lips, Argestes, Aparctias, Thrascias, Euronotus, Iapyx, Libonotus, Meses, Olypmias, Phoenicias, Dáinn, Dvalinn, Duneyrr, Duraþrór, Norðri, Suðri, Austri, Vestri, Vayu)

Yasuda Zaibatsu - Asano Heavy Industries

As a subsidiary of a conglomerate synonymous with long-term strategic planning and resilient corporate structure, AHI has likewise become known for a balanced design philosophy, producing ships that are consistent and reliable, meeting expectations without unnecessary frills. This is supplemented by their 'legacy integration' approach which favors proven design iteration, maintainability, and ship architectures that are easy to upgrade to extend their working duration. This approach has made AHI particularly popular among long-haul freight companies and established colonies, who value reliability and ease of maintenance over cutting-edge features.

Ship Model Naming Conventions:

  • Commercial Ships = Japanese Natural Elements and Landscapes (e.g. Kawa (River), Yama (Mountain), Mori (Forest), Umi (Sea), Hana (Flower), Taki (Waterfall));
  • Military Ships = Natural Elements and Phenomena (e.g. Tempest, Avalanche, Inferno, Cyclone, Tectonic, Maelstrom, Glacier, Catatumbo, Moonbow, Sun Dog, Sprite)