Six companies contracted for British military's small boat fleet

LONDON, June 12 (UPI) -- Six companies have received contracts from Britain's Ministry of Defense to maintain a fleet of boats operated by the country's military.

The contracts, with a combined value of about $186 million, were awarded to Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd; UK Dock Tyne Slipway & Eng Co Ltd; Berthon Boat Co Ltd; MPI Services (UK), trading as Manor Marine Ltd; Marine Specialised Tech Ltd; and BAE Systems Surface Ships.

A total of 1,500 boats operated by the Royal Navy, Ministry of Defense Police, Royal Marines, and Army are covered by the awards. Among the boats are offshore raiding craft, pontoons, police launches and Pacific 24 ribs and inflatables, the ministry 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," said Minister for Defense Equipment Support and Technology Philip Dunne. "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."

The maintenance contracts cover the upkeep, repair, chartering, defect rectification, technical support, and provision of spares and replacements.