Poole-based Norco has been successfully selected by Merseyside-based Marine Specialised Technology (MST) as its main composite supplier for a £9.9 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The contract is to construct two new vessels to replace the interim Gibraltar Squadron Fast Patrol Crafts.

With over 30 years’ experience, Norco specialise in manufacturing large composite structures and GRP mouldings. The business now operates from six sites with over 130,000ft² combined capacity in Dorset.

The construction of the two boats began in July and will take approximately 18 months, with the first boat due to be delivered next year. Norco will manufacture the complete structure (hull, deck, and wheelhouse) for the two vessels inline with MST’s production schedule.

Mark Northey, Norco managing director, said: “I am very happy to be working in partnership with MST again. Here at Norco, we pride ourselves on developing successful relationships with our customers to gain repeat business. This project will add to our portfolio of defence contracts, which demonstrates our ability to deliver product that meets the stringent quality standards of the MoD.”

Gibraltar Squadron Fast Patrol Craft, HMS Pursuer and Dasher, two Archer-class vessels have recently taken over from Scimitar-Class vessels HMS Sabre and HMS Scimitar, while the two MST vessels are under-construction.

The Scimitar Class vessels had been in service in Gibraltar for 17 years and were due an upgrade as part of the Royal Navy’s modernisation programme. These vessels maintain the security of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.

Chris Hurley, MST project manager, said: “We are delighted to have Norco on board with us for this prestigious defence project with the Royal Navy as they have proven in the past, on many occasions, that they can deliver quality composite structures on-time with their large capacity facilities.”