Royston Wins New Royal Navy Diesel Engine Work

Marine engineering and propulsion specialist Royston has won a multi-million pound contract to support and maintain small diesel engines onboard amphibious assault ships, mine hunters and other Royal Navy vessels.

The £5.5m five-year contract, awarded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), will see UK based Royston responsible for providing diesel engine spares and technical support alongside repair and refurbishment of engines when required.

This will include various Caterpillar, Cummins, Perkins and Volvo Penta diesel engines used onboard Royal Navy Type 23 frigates, Single Role Mine Hunters, Hunt-class Minesweepers, Albion-Class Amphibious ships as well as Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Bay-class vessels.

Diesel engines are used to provide either electrical or propulsion power for these ships, so the MOD sees the support contract as essential to maintain engine availability for both the Royal Navy and RFA fleets.

As well as the supply and overhaul of all spare parts, Royston will also have responsibility for the diagnostic, technical support and servicing of engines either onboard vessels or those sent for repair to its workshop facilities in Newcastle-uponTyne.

The move will help sustain highly skilled jobs within the North East marine sector together with supporting five apprentices currently on Royston’s engineering apprenticeship scheme.

Sarah Wade, CEO at Royston, said: “This contract reflects the engineering skills, capabilities and expertise that we can provide to customers around the world. We will be working closely with the Royal Navy and RFA, who are investing in their supply chain partners to secure service quality, consistency and improved operational efficiencies.”

Defence Minister Jeremy Quin, said: “This £5.5-million contract will maintain and support the vital small diesel engines of our Royal Navy fleet. The five-year agreement will also secure highly-skilled work in the north-east’s marine industry, highlighting the region’s contribution to UK defence.”

The contract was negotiated by the Marine Diesel Group within Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the MOD. Team leader, Commander Richard McHugh, said: “This was an excellent example of DE&S and industry working together to provide a value-for-money support contract for small diesel engines within the Royal Navy fleet.”