UK Armed Forces will benefit from a new long-term strategic sealift contract supporting the transport of crucial defence equipment and supplies, as well as sustaining 150 UK jobs.
The Ministry of Defence has awarded the seven-year contract, worth £476 million, to UK-based Foreland Shipping Limited (FSL), ensuring the continued support of military operations and strengthening national security, through strategic sea lift.
This comes as Defence Secretary John Healey recently announced that UK based defence firms will be prioritised for government investment under a new Defence Industrial Strategy that will drive economic growth, boost British jobs, and strengthen national security.
Under the contract, FSL will provide four roll-on roll-off shipping vessels capable of transporting essential equipment and supplies, including armoured vehicles, emergency medical supplies and complex weapons, across the globe.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:
“By ensuring the efficient movement of equipment and supplies, strategic sealift is pivotal to our ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats, project global reach, and sustain critical operations.
“The long-term nature of this contract guarantees stable employment for workers across the nation. This investment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting jobs, driving economic growth, and safeguarding the UK’s national security.”
The vessels are operated by UK national sponsored reserves, a unique category of reservists who are members of the civilian workforce and join the reserves as a condition of service. This arrangement allows them to be called up to support the Armed Forces in times of crisis.
The contract will protect FSL’s UK workforce of around 150 personnel nationally, 97% of whom are reservists. By providing this critical capability to UK Defence, the contract will retain skilled personnel and boost economic growth over the next seven years, acting on the Government’s Plan for Change with investment and reform to deliver growth.
