The Ministry of Defence has awarded nine contracts worth GBP 283.5 million to five companies to maintain and support around 3,000 boats used by the UK Armed Forces and MOD Police, according to the department.
The contracts, delivered through the Boats In-Service Support programme (BISS26), have been awarded to Babcock, Serco, Golden Arrow Marine, UK Docks and Griffon Marine Ltd, and will run from April 2026 to March 2033.
The work will support a wide range of vessels used across the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and MOD Police, including platforms involved in policing, training, boarding operations and support to the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the contracts will create and sustain more than 100 skilled jobs across England, Scotland and Wales, spanning apprenticeships, engineering, manufacturing and maritime support roles. Activity linked to the contracts is also expected to support site redevelopment and infrastructure work at locations including Teesside, Gosport, Plymouth and Cornwall.
Pete Lagden of DE&S said “these contracts ensure the continued availability of around 3,000 boats – assets that are essential for everything from patrolling and interception to supporting the Continuous At-Sea Deterrent.” He added that awarding work to multiple providers, including UK SMEs, reflects a focus on supporting domestic industry.
The contracts are split across nine lots, with UK Docks securing three, Griffon Marine two, Babcock two, Golden Arrow Marine one and Serco one.
Adam Egeland-Jensen, Royal Navy Boats In-Service Capability Manager, said the programme “is a fantastic example of the ongoing strong collaboration between Defence and UK industry,” adding that “with at least £250 million flowing exclusively through UK-owned businesses, this is something DE&S and MOD should be genuinely proud of.”
Industry partners said the contracts would provide sustained demand for their workforces. UK Docks managing director Jonathan Wilson said the award would “safeguard existing jobs, create new ones, and ensure an important part of the defence sector benefits UK businesses.”
Anthony Kirby, Chief Executive of Serco Group, said “military preparedness is a key priority and our success in securing this contract reflects the strength of our expertise and capabilities in defence engineering and asset management.”
I observed to John on here just this morning, on the Army boats article, that I was surprised how many boats the MoD and 3 services had, in a document I read long, long ago.
3,000!