Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Serco for the delivery of 24 vessels of various types that will be used to support the Royal Navy. The contract includes a wide range of ship types including ASD Tugs, RSD Tugs, pilot boats, barges and crane barges.
Serco has recently been awarded a ten-year contract with the UK Royal Navy to provide maritime services at His Majesty’s Naval Bases Clyde, Devonport and Portsmouth under the Defence Maritime Service Next Generation (DMS NG) Vessel Replacement Project (VRP). As part of the agreement Serco will support the Royal Navy’s vessel replacement programme (VRP).
As part of its contract with the Royal Navy, Serco is responsible for vessel towage, passenger transfer and barge and tank cleaning, ensuring the continuation of essential harbour movements and support services.
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Modernisation of the auxiliary fleet
For the DMS NG VRP, Serco will be the prime contractor, with Damen serving as the subcontractor. By combining their respective capabilities, the two companies have developed a compelling and innovative proposal for the UK Royal Navy.
The ASD Tugs, RSD Tugs, pilot boats, barges and cranes barges will support the modernisation of the navy’s auxiliary fleet, replacing ageing vessels currently in operation.
Long-standing collaborations
This latest contract with the Royal Navy sees Serco continue the provision of services it has delivered for more than two decades. Serco’s work for the Royal Navy has seen it collaborate with Damen previously. Back in 2007, the two parties signed a contract for the delivery of 29 vessels for the Future Provision of Maritime Services programme with a similar scope to the current order. Since then, Damen and Serco have continued to work together on a number of projects internationally.
Commenting on the contract award, Guy Barker, Serco’s Maritime Services Director, says: ‘The Defence Maritime Services Next Generation Vessel Replacement Project represents a significant step forward in modernising the Ministry of Defence’s auxiliary fleet. By combining Serco’s operational expertise with Damen’s proven shipbuilding capabilities, we are confident in delivering a fleet that will enhance the effectiveness and resilience of maritime support operations across the UK’s naval bases.’
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Deliveries from 2027 to 2028
The delivery of the vessels will commence in 2027 and is scheduled to be completed during 2028. Following this, Damen will continue to provide support to Serco via its UK Service Hub. With this, Damen is able to provide services incorporating everything from warranty support, spare parts, training, service and maintenance, throughout the lifecycle of its vessels.
Picture: Damen will supply different vessel types, such as ASD Tugs, RSD Tugs, pilot boats, barges and crane barges (image by Damen).
