The Defence Ministry has confirmed it granted nine agreements, valued at GBP 283.5 million, to five firms. These contracts are for servicing and upholding approximately 3,000 vessels utilized by the British military and the MOD Police.
Facilitated via the Boats In-Service Support programme (BISS26), these agreements were secured by Babcock, Serco, Golden Arrow Marine, UK Docks, and Griffon Marine Ltd. Their duration will extend from April 2026 until March 2033.
This undertaking will aid a diverse array of craft employed throughout the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and MOD Police. This encompasses vessels engaged in law enforcement, instruction, maritime interdiction, and bolstering the UK’s ongoing maritime deterrent.
As per the Defence Department, these agreements are poised to generate and uphold over 100 specialized positions across England, Scotland, and Wales. These roles encompass apprenticeships, engineering, manufacturing, and naval assistance. Work associated with the agreements is also anticipated to bolster facility rejuvenation and structural projects at sites such as Teesside, Gosport, Plymouth, and Cornwall.
Pete Lagden of DE&S stated, “These agreements guarantee the ongoing readiness of approximately 3,000 vessels – crucial resources for a range of duties, from surveillance and interdiction to aiding the constant maritime deterrent.” He further remarked that the allocation of tasks to various suppliers, comprising British small and medium-sized enterprises, underscores a commitment to bolstering national enterprises.
The agreements are divided among nine sections. UK Docks obtained three, Griffon Marine secured two, Babcock also two, while Golden Arrow Marine and Serco each received one.
Adam Egeland-Jensen, Royal Navy Boats In-Service Capability Manager, commented that the initiative “represents a superb instance of the continuing robust partnership between Defence and British industry.” He also noted that “with a minimum of £250 million channelled solely via British-owned enterprises, this accomplishment is truly commendable for DE&S and MOD.”
Sector collaborators stated that these agreements would ensure continuous need for their employees. Jonathan Wilson, UK Docks’ chief executive, affirmed that the grant would “protect current employment, generate fresh opportunities, and guarantee a vital segment of the defence sector aids British companies.”
Anthony Kirby, CEO of Serco Group, remarked that “defence readiness stands as a foremost concern, and our achievement in obtaining this agreement demonstrates the robustness of our proficiency and capacities in military engineering and resource administration.”