UK Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has contracted Boskalis Group company Smit International Scotland to deliver range safety and aircrew training vessels to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Under the seven-year, £39million (US$54 million) contract, the two companies will supply range safety patrol vessels to various military firing ranges with river and coastal boundaries, and provide marine support for tri-service aircrew training.
The contract options also offer helicopter training, sea survival drills, target-towing, fast-attack craft simulations and range safety solutions.
Smit International Scotland managing director Paul de Jong said it would be responsible for operating five medium and nine smaller fast patrol type vessels as part of the project.
The vessels scheduled for delivery to the MoD include nine 12-metre, purpose-built fast patrol craft. They will reach speeds of up to 28 knots with four passengers and crew of two.
The four 27-metre, purpose-built workboats for aircrew training will reach speeds of up to 19 knots with 12 passengers, four instructors and crew of six.
The 27-metre, purpose-built craft for passengers will reach speeds of up to 20 knots with 36 passengers, four instructors and crew of six.
