Around 800 jobs in the UK maritime sector have been safeguarded after the MOD extended five maintenance contracts worth a total of £349m.
The contracts cover the long-term maintenance of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Flotilla of naval support ships. They have been awarded to five British companies and will secure a further five years of maintenance support for the 13-strong RFA Flotilla.
Made up of fuel tankers, store ships, a medical facility and landing ships, the RFA provides essential support such as food, fuel, munitions and other vital supplies to the Royal Navy at sea.
The companies involved are: Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders Ltd; A&P Group Ltd (ship repair facility); Lloyd’s Register; Trimline Ltd; and Hempel UK Ltd.
The Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said:
“These Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships are crucial to the work of the Royal Navy and without them it simply could not operate. These substantial contracts will not only safeguard hundreds of UK jobs but will ensure that these ships can continue in their roles for years to come.”