Large order signed for MoD Police boats

Ship designers BMT have partnered with Liverpool-headquartered Marine Specialised Technology (MST), who have been selected as builders of the 15m vessels following a competitive tender process.

The BMT design is 15 metres in length and powered by twin inboard diesels driving twin waterjets. Specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption, the vessel will have reduced fuel emissions as well as improved operational efficiency. The new and more environmentally friendly design, which is capable of 30 knots, has been selected by the UK MOD Defence Equipment & Support organisation (DE&S) to be operated by the UK MDP. The advancements in the new craft will see the bridge featuring a fully integrated C4ISR and craft management system, utilising the latest open-architecture structure and state of the art shock mitigation crew seating. These latest developments in craft capability will provide a significant step forward for the Ministry of Defence Police Force.

As part of this public procurement, BMT is also pleased to announce that its team will be providing a comprehensive Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. This latest contract for a key government customer is another significant milestone for the consultancy in the market for high performance Patrol-Interdiction Surveillance Vessels, and further builds on its partnership with MST’s larger, affordable and exportable HPB-1900 design, of which two are already in build for the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron.

The 18 new high speed patrol vessels, capable of operating in the most demanding of conditions, will replace the current police vessels that are being operated at naval bases across the UK.

Martin Bissuel, Business Sector Lead for Government and Security at BMT commented: “The 15m vessels will be valuable in providing the MoD Police Force with an upgrade in capability to persistently patrol in littoral areas for the purpose of force protection of critical national infrastructure, covering high value assets across the United Kingdom and its naval bases.”

By Jake Frith