Single Bidder Secures UK Navy Support Vessel Contract from Serco
The UK government has awarded a contract to build 24 support vessels for the Royal Navy to Dutch shipbuilder Serco, as only one bid was received. This decision raises concerns regarding adherence to the National Shipbuilding Strategy aimed at enhancing domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
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The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that only Serco submitted a bid for a contract covering the construction of 24 support vessels and related in-port services for the Royal Navy. This contract was awarded as part of the Defence Marine Services In-Port Services agreement, despite the National Shipbuilding Strategy's goal to increase domestic involvement in shipbuilding since its introduction in 2017.
The Minister of State for Defence highlighted that Serco, as the prime contractor, is permitted to choose its own subcontractors for vessel construction. The government is aware of the need to strengthen the UK shipbuilding sector and plans to implement a Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan to enhance future domestic procurement.
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