Engine dealer and custom engine builder Barrus has signed acceptance of a new seven-year contract with the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), ‘for the delivery of engine support to maintain the capability of MoD boats’.

The contract covers support to approximately 1100 boats within the current MoD in-service fleet for craft under 25 metres

The contract covers support to approximately 1100 boats within the current MoD in-service fleet for craft under 25 metres

The scope of the contract covers the supply, overhaul, and repair of all outboard engines, Yanmar inboard diesel engines, and related post-design services and in-service support.

The contract covers support to approximately 1100 boats within the current MoD in-service fleet for craft under 25 metres, including Inflatables and Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), the Mexeflote landing-raft system powered by the Thrustmaster propulsion unit, workboats, and planned future craft.

James Melia, Project Manager for DE&S Boats Team, said, “Boats are an essential capability of the UK Armed Forces and are used for many different operations around the world ensuring that our Navy has the reach it needs to protect our interests around the globe. We are committed to ensuring that engines are effectively managed through every stage of their life cycle and our partnership with EP Barrus will provide critical support to this. DE&S is proud to maintain excellent working relationships with EP Barrus, a valued industry supplier and we look forward to continuing to work together to support our front line with the equipment they need while also maintaining vital British skills and jobs.”

Barrus has a long-standing partnership with the MoD spanning over 75-years. The first Post Immersion Restart Engines (PIRS), were introduced to the MoD back in the late 1970s. The PIRS® System drains water from the engine allowing it to be rapidly restarted following submersion. Over the years, Barrus has developed derivatives of the PIRS® patented technologies including the latest GEN 2 FAST PIRS®, a simpler, more durable and cost-effective FAST PIRS®, and Capsize PIRS®, a four-stroke adaptation.

In addition to PIRS®engines, Barrus will be supplying the latest Mariner mine hunting outboard engines and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) certified engines 15hp to 150hp, an exclusive in the industry.