MST wins share of up to £111m contract from Ministry of Defence
Marine Specialised Tech Ltd (MST), the Liverpool based, world leading supplier of Rigid Inflatable and High Speed Workboats, has been announced by the MoD as one of six UK companies who will share up to £111 million of new contracts to maintain its fleet of small boats.
The five year contract will involve support for a fleet of 1,450 boats used by the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and MoD Police, including offshore raiding craft, Pontoons up to 50 metres in length, police launches and Pacific 24 Ribs and inflatables.
MST will provide maintenance, upkeep, repair, defect rectification, technical support and provision of spares for 6 classes of boat.
Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said:
“The award of these contracts by the MoD provides the UK’s marine support industry with a steady volume of work, helping to maintain technical and engineering skills in this sector.
“The competition attracted interest from across the marine industry, and is another example of the MoD’s commitment to seek best value for money from the commercial market.”
Commercially Supported Shipping Boats Team Leader, Alistair Hughes, from the MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support organisation, said:
“Small boats make up a critical component of the UK’s military effect, operating in the UK and globally. Small boats can be seen in all areas of maritime from policing the UK’s Naval Bases to counter-piracy operations off Africa to training new recruits into the Royal Navy.
“The award of the contracts follows 18 months of intensive activity between the team and industry to ensure the continued support of the numerous craft that make up the small boat fleet and find the best deal for the Armed Forces.”
MST’s Managing Director of Fleet Services, Alan Ashton said “This is wonderful news for MST and the Marine sector in Liverpool. At MST we work hard to ensure our Fleet Services division provides an excellent after sales service, top class ongoing support and supply of parts that is second-to-none. The new MoD contract is recognition of our continuing commitment to excellence in every area of operation. We want every craft we maintain to perform at 100%, essential in the challenging conditions in which they are engaged.”