Serco Denholm to support Royal Navy

LONDON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense announced it has contracted Serco Denholm Marine Services for continued support of the Royal Navy.

Under the approximately $1.98 billion, 15-year contract, Serco Denholm will provide future provision of marine services including the management, operate and maintenance of more than 110 vessels for the United Kingdom's major ports at Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde.

The contract provisions include "tugs and pilot boats to move the Royal Navy fleet in and out of port, passenger and crew transfer to and from ships, loading of dry and liquid stores and removal of waste from the ships and protection of the environment in the event of oil or other spillages," the release said.

"The future provision of marine services contract will pave the way for a major overhaul in how we support the Royal Navy and other defense customers," Baroness Ann Taylor, minister for defense equipment and support, said in a statement. "The new single arrangement will be easier to manage than existing arrangements, and will provide the best long-term value for money over its 15-year lifespan."