14 Dec 2021

Babcock delivers first of six vessels to metropolitan police service

Our Marine Engineering & Systems (ME&S) business has successfully handed over the first of six vessels that will form the Metropolitan Police Service’s (Met Police) replacement marine fleet. Page Content

The 32ft vessel was built by Botnia Marin in Finland and supplied to Babcock via Wessex Marine, a SME based in Poole Dorset. The boat is modelled around the Targa 32 and has been modified for Police use. Modifications include radios, helicopter video links, police lighting and improved fendering.

The Marine Policing Unit (MPU), headquartered at Wapping, is where the Met Police operates a fleet of vessels responsible for policing the River Thames within Greater London, covering 47 miles of the Thames between Hampton Court and Dartford Creek.

Neil Young, Engineering and Technology Director for Babcock Marine Engineering & Systems, said: “Babcock is delighted to deliver the first of six vessels to the Metropolitan Police Service within the scheduled timeframe.

“The collaboration with Met Police and Wessex Marine will enable us to continue to deliver innovative solutions to ensure the product they receive is fit for purpose.”

In the coming weeks, the vessel will enter a period of training and familiarisation for the MPU officers before officially launching in the new year. The focus now for the ME&S team is on the build of the remaining Fast Patrol Vessels and the larger, 37ft, Command and Control Vessel due for delivery to the Met Police early 2022.