Northeast-based UK Docks Marine Services has won one of two new support contracts, for the Royal Navy’s versatile Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
The eight-year contract worth around £250M will support the second batch of OPVs – HMS Forth, HMS Medway, HMS Trent, HMS Tamar and HMS Spey.
The contract creates more than 100 engineer, technician, project manager and administrative roles within UK Docks Marine Services, of which 25-30 will be in South Shields and Gosport, with the remaining roles located overseas.
A second contract, worth £70M over five years, has been secured with BAE Systems to sustain the first three Batch 1 OPVs – HMS Mersey, HMS Severn and HMS Tyne – which entered service in 2003. Sustaining more than a dozen UK jobs in Portsmouth, the contract will aim to maintain the high availability of these essential ships in home waters and on deployments around the globe. The contract will also secure spares, repairs and maintenance out to 2028, when the ships are due to retire from Naval service.
Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said: “Working closely with our industry partners, we are securing a future for these versatile and important Royal Navy ships, delivering on our promises for UK prosperity and sustained UK presence overseas.
“The project will also ensure dozens of UK jobs are supported, contributing to the vibrant health of our shipbuilding industry.”
UK Docks Managing Director, Jonathan Wilson, said: “We are delighted to have secured this major contract, which is the culmination of several years’ work showing UK Docks can deliver the highest standards of service and professionalism the Royal Navy requires for the maintenance of its vessels.
“We also see the awarding of this contract as a resounding vote of confidence in homegrown British industry, skills and capability and we look forward to putting those resources at the service of these five important vessels.”
Cdre Steve McCarthy, DE&S Director Ships Support, said: “Our Offshore Patrol Vessels are a vital component of Global Britain’s Maritime Security, Defence Engagement and Humanitarian operations and they are highly successful around the world. For small ships they pack a big punch and we are delighted to award these contracts to UK Docks and BAE Systems. Both contracts offer high levels of availability to the Royal Navy for years to come.”
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BAE Systems OPV Royal Navy ship building UK Docks
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
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