VESSELS

Norco secures MOD patrol boat contract

1 year ago

Poole-based Norco Composites & GRP has been selected by Marine Specialised Technology (MST) as a key supplier in a £36 million contract to deliver 18 high-speed patrol vessels for the Ministry of Defence Police and Gibraltar Defence Police.

The multi-year project is part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s ongoing programme to enhance maritime security around critical naval infrastructure.

A proven defence supplier, Norco previously supported MST on the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron’s HMS Cutlass and HMS Dagger.

Under this latest deal, Norco will manufacture the composite hulls and superstructures for the 15-metre patrol vessels.

The project requires lightweight, high-strength structures capable of withstanding harsh marine environments while supporting complex systems integration. Norco delivered custom mould tools and precision-engineered resin-infused GRP hulls, wheelhouses, and decks.

Using advanced vacuum infusion methods, the company ensured consistent quality and strength-to-weight performance while minimising resin waste.

Norco’s early collaboration with MST and naval architecture firm BMT helped optimise the design for manufacturability, enabling efficient production and cost savings across all 18 vessels.

The first hull was delivered in March 2022, with the first vessel launched in October 2022. Norco will continue delivering composite structures on a rolling basis through 2026.