UK Docks wins Royal Navy service contract

Servicing the fleet will be done at its Gosport and Cornwall bases in England as part of the Ministry of Defence’s £48 million modernisation programme that it has called ’Project Vahana’.

Delivered to the navy in July, the vessels have multiple roles, such as logistics support, officer training, hydrographic survey and passenger transport to dive support and training.

The vessels have a minimum fast speed of 25 knots, propelled by two Yanmar diesel engines ranging from 350-1,000hp and Hamilton Waterjets.

“We are delighted to secure this contract which gives the company the chance to demonstrate its ability to provide the high standards and quality of service the navy demands,” said Jonathan Wilson, UK Docks managing director.

“Winning important contracts like this does not come easily – a lot of work goes into making them happen and competition is intense because you are up against some of the best companies in the world in this field.

“So I would like to praise the UK Docks team that worked so hard to put together the successful bid to maintain the workboats and look forward to them keeping the vessels performing at their very best.”

UK Docks already maintains five Batch 2 River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels HMS Medway, Spey, Forth, Trent and Tamar as well as the navy’s only ice-breaker, HMS Protector.

The new contract was awarded by the Boats Team at Defence Equipment and support, the procurement arm of the MOD.