Serco has secured a seven-year deal to provide operational upkeep for the British Army’s contingent of 512 naval craft, the company announced.
This arrangement will involve Serco aiding the Ministry of Defence’s Boats Team, encompassing a spectrum of tasks including upkeep, repair work, provision of spares, testing, and related technical provisions. The accord is slated to commence in April 2026, with duties performed at various locations across southern England.
The Army’s naval contingent is employed for transporting personnel, conveyances, and provisions amidst seaborn landing maneuvers across a variety of settings, thereby constituting a vital element of the Army’s amphibious and supply chain capacity.
In excess of 140 Mexeflotes will receive support under this accord. These sectional platforms can function as motorized barges, pontoons, or temporary roadways, and are extensively utilized to move conveyances and gear from ship to shore in areas where port facilities are unavailable.
The remit also covers 18 Combat Support Boats, which are pivotal in bridging, amphibious maneuvers, and diving operations, in conjunction with Army Work Boats that facilitate fuel provision to deployed forces utilizing dracones.
A broader spectrum of more compact and specialized vessels are also slated for upkeep, including Gemini 650 rigid inflatable boats, robust-hulled riverine craft designed for shallow water operations, nimble assault boats, and Avon Redcrests.
Serco stated that the agreement demonstrates its expertise in military engineering and resource administration, especially within the naval sphere.
Anthony Kirby, Serco Group CEO, stated: “We are honored to assist this distinctive collection of naval resources, which are crucial for operational and strategic efficacy and troop deployments in littoral or proximate-shore settings, for the benefit of the British Army and the Ministry of Defence’s Boats Team.”
He further remarked: “Defense readiness stands as a foremost objective, and our achievement in obtaining this agreement highlights the robustness of our proficiency and capacities in military engineering and resource administration. It also expands upon our current significant progress within the naval defense industry.”