DE&S, part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) National Armaments Director Group, has awarded £283.5 million worth of contracts to maintain and support approximately 3,000 boats across the UK Armed Forces and MOD Police, creating and safeguarding over 100 skilled jobs across England, Scotland and Wales. 

Nine contracts under the Boats In-Service Support programme (BISS26) have been awarded to five suppliers: Babcock, Serco, and three UK small and medium-sized enterprises in Golden Arrow Marine, UK Docks and Griffon Marine Ltd.  

The contracts support the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, MOD Police and training programmes including the Combined Cadet Force and Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre. The boats perform a wide range of operational tasks from policing and boarding operations to supporting the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent.

The contracts will create and safeguard more than 100 roles across the UK, including apprenticeships, engineering positions, manufacturing and maritime support functions. UK Docks alone will reopen two docks on Teesside and support redevelopment at Victoria Quays in Gosport, with further work planned in Plymouth, Cornwall and across the North-east. 

Additional activity near major naval bases at Portsmouth, Devonport, Clyde and Gibraltar will strengthen UK industrial resilience over the long term.

Pete Lagden, Team Leader for the DE&S Boats Team, said:

“BISS26 delivers critical capabilities to the UK Armed Forces on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. 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. Awarding contracts to five providers, including three UK SMEs, reflects our commitment to supporting British industry and contributing to national prosperity.”

This investment directly supports the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Government’s Plan for Change mission to kickstart economic growth, raising living standards and creating good jobs in every part of the United Kingdom.

Adam Egeland-Jensen MBE, Royal Navy Boats In-Service Capability Manager, said:

“BISS26 is a fantastic example of the ongoing strong collaboration between Defence and UK industry can deliver. Working with five partners, including well established SMEs, we have secured the capability our people need — from day-to-day maritime operations to supporting the Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. With at least £250 million flowing exclusively through UK-owned businesses, this is something DE&S and MOD should be genuinely proud of. It also puts us in a very strong position to work with new partners on identifying the capabilities we will need for the future beyond 2033.”