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Damen Group Partners With Serco to Provide 24 Vessels to the Royal Navy in the UK Under the British Auxiliary Fleet Modernization Program.
The Damen Shipyards Group officially announced a contract in partnership with Serco to provide 24 support vessels to the Royal Navy in the UK, as reported by Poder Naval this Tuesday, September 9. The agreement is part of the Defence Maritime Service Next Generation (DMS NG) Vessel Replacement Project (VRP), an initiative aimed at modernizing and expanding the British Navy’s auxiliary fleet.
With deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2028, the contract also ensures ongoing support, offered by Damen through the Service Hub located in the UK, ensuring long-term maintenance and technical assistance.
Responsibilities of Serco at British Naval Bases
Serco, contracted by the British Ministry of Defence for ten years, will be responsible for managing maritime services at three strategic bases: Clyde, Devonport, and Portsmouth.
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Among the activities are towing, passenger transport, moving barges, and even tank cleaning. As the main contractor, Serco leads the project, while Damen is directly involved in the construction and supply of the vessels.
Types of Vessels and Replacement of the Auxiliary Fleet
The contracted package includes different models, including ASD and RSD tugs, pilot boats, as well as traditional barges and barges equipped with cranes. These units will replace auxiliary ships currently in operation, strengthening logistics capacity and efficiency of naval maneuvers.
According to the schedule, all vessels will be delivered by the end of 2028, allowing the Royal Navy to maintain a continuous fleet renewal flow without compromising its activities.
Statements Highlight the Importance of the Agreement
For Damen, the contract reaffirms the trust gained over the years in the British naval sector. “We are very pleased to receive this important contract from Serco, which confirms the capabilities of all parties involved and strengthens the excellent relationship between our organizations,” said Frederik van der Linde, sales manager for Damen in the UK and Ireland.
Guy Barker, Director of Maritime Services at Serco, emphasized that the partnership represents “a significant step in the modernization of the Ministry of Defence’s auxiliary fleet,” combining Serco’s operational expertise with Damen’s construction experience.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Damen and Serco have collaborated for the Royal Navy. In 2007, the two companies had already closed a contract for the supply of 29 vessels under the Future Provision of Maritime Services program.
Now, with the new agreement, the Royal Navy strengthens its logistical support capacity and enhances the resilience of its operations at strategic ports, ensuring the continuity of essential services at a crucial time for the UK’s maritime defense.
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