A Liverpool firm making workboats for the military has received a £36m contract to build and deliver patrol craft for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Police and Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) forces.
Under the new five-year contract announced today by the MoD, Marine Specialised Technology will build 18 units replacing the current fleet - to be used around Royal Naval bases in the UK and Gibraltar territorial waters.
A total of 16 will be for the MOD, while two will go to the GDP.
Based in Liverpool and on the River Mersey, the contract will sustain 50 jobs and create a further 15 across the North West.
The Government said the police patrol craft will play an "important role" in defence, enhancing capability to safeguard UK and Gibraltar waters and escort major Royal Navy assets in and out of naval bases at home and overseas.
Defence minister Baroness Goldie said: "This £36m investment allows our MOD Police and Gibraltar Defence Police Forces to enhance the vital security service they provide to our military bases at home and overseas.
"Designed and constructed by maritime experts in the UK, this contract reaffirms our commitment to invest in homegrown industry knowledge and support the protection and creation of skilled jobs."
The 15m craft will be able to carry three crew members and up to four passengers, travelling up to 30 knots.
They will be fitted with a CCTV surveillance system, two marine jet power waterjets and reinforced with bullet-proof protection against incoming fire.
As highly manoeuvrable craft, they will also be used for 24/7 policing to protect defence assets and deter and detect threats.
Able to operate in all weather conditions, direct support to the Royal Navy will also include escort, cordons and maritime security capabilities.
MOD Police marine operations support lead, Inspector Brian McArdle added "The bespoke craft requirement compiled in collaboration with Defence Equipment and Support, will deliver a modern maritime craft enhancing the operational capabilities of the MOD Police.
"The craft procurement is part of an ongoing craft replacement project ensuring the MOD Police continues to support MOD and Royal Navy to achieve operational objectives."
