Liverpool-based
Marine Specialised Technology Group (MST) is the successful bidder in a competitive tender process with the MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support Organisation (DE&S) to supply 18 ‘state of the art’ 15m high-speed patrol craft to the MoD Police (MDP) and Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP).
The craft will replace the current 14-15m police patrol launches currently in use and will be deployed to protect HM naval bases in the UK and Gibraltar. They will also be used in high-profile armed patrolling of the UK’s borders.
The new design will join MST’s highly successful ‘HPB’ series of enclosed patrol craft as the new HPB-1500 and has been jointly developed with the
BMT Group Ltd. This is the same partnership behind MST’s larger HPB-1900 design of which two are already in build for the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron.
The craft will be powered by twin inboard diesel propulsion engines driving twin waterjets with a specific focus on low running costs, reduced environmental emissions and suitability for significant operating hours.
The bridge will feature a fully integrated C4ISR and craft management system, using the latest open-architecture structure and innovative shock mitigation crew seating. These improvements in craft capability will be a major advancement for both the MDP and GDP.
This is another high-profile project for the MST Group and will be a further step forward in the expansion of its continuously growing craft range and cement the company’s position as a leading manufacturer in the maritime sector.
Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said: “This £36 million investment allows MDP and GDP to enhance the vital security service they provide to our military bases at home and overseas. Designed and constructed in the UK, this contract reaffirms our commitment to invest in homegrown industry knowledge and support the protection and creation of skilled jobs.”
MST managing director Benjamin Kerfoot said: “We are delighted to be working with DE&S again on another prestigious project supplying our UK defence forces. This contract is another example of the success the MST Group has managed to achieve over the last two decades and is also a key indicator of the further accomplishments we will achieve in the near future.”