The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a £26.7m ($33.3m) contract to Oxfordshire-based EP Barrus for the delivery and maintenance of outboard and inboard motors fitted to the MOD’s small boats fleet.
Under the seven-year contract, the company will maintain, update and supply engines fitted to more than 1,100 craft.
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The scope of the contract includes boats within the current MOD in-service fleet for craft under 25m.
These boats include Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) and the Mexeflote landing-raft system powered by the Thrustmaster propulsion unit and workboats.
EP Barrus will also support planned future MOD crafts.
As per the contract, missions and operations in the UK and overseas that involve the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, MOD Police and Cadets will be supported.
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By GlobalDataUK Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “Our maritime industry continues to grow from strength to strength.
“This contract will secure an essential capability for our Armed Forces and support over 40 quality engineering jobs in Bicester plus many more throughout the UK.”
The contract will generate direct 40 jobs within Barrus’s Engineering Centre. A further 80 indirect jobs opportunities will be created across the UK supply chain.
This contract secures the company’s graduate programme in Oxfordshire, promising future roles for its young engineering students.
DE&S Boats Team project manager James Melia said: “Boats are an essential capability of the UK Armed Forces and are used for many different operations around the world, ensuring that our navy has the reach it needs to protect our interests around the globe.
“We are committed to ensuring that engines are effectively managed through every stage of their life cycle and our partnership with EP Barrus will provide critical support to this.”
