Serco consortium wins key maintenance contract
February 10, 2025
Business

Serco consortium wins key maintenance contract

For Belgian and Dutch mine countermeasure fleets

The Belgian and Dutch navy has awarded Serco, Exail Robotics Belgium, and Naval Group Belgium a significant maintenance contract for their Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels.

The contract, known as 24NSPER, is part of a broader effort to modernise and maintain the MCM fleets, ensuring they remain operational and effective in safeguarding maritime security.

The agreement marks a major milestone for the Serexna consortium, which maintains the existing MCM minehunters and the future Naval Mine Warfare Capacity.

This advanced fleet, due for delivery between 2025 and 2030, will be manufactured by Belgium Naval and Robotics (BNR), a joint venture between Naval Group and Exail Robotics. These next-generation vessels will integrate cutting-edge technologies, including unmanned systems for aerial, surface, and underwater operations, designed to mitigate the risk of mines and protect naval crews.

MCM vessels are critical to modern naval operations. They detect, identify, and neutralise underwater mines. These vessels play a vital role in ensuring the safety of maritime fleets and vital sea routes, particularly in areas where mines pose significant threats to marine safety.

The Serena consortium, formed by Serco, Naval Group Belgium, and Exail Robotics Belgium, is leveraging its collective expertise and resources to provide ongoing maintenance services for the Belgian and Dutch MCM fleets. The contract will also cover the transition to the new mine warfare systems, which will include uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Serco, which has maintained the Belgian fleet to date, will continue to deliver its services with the support of around 100 employees. The company will play a key role in ensuring the fleets’ operational availability as they transition to their next-generation capabilities.

Meanwhile, Exail Robotics Belgium and Naval Group Belgium will provide their expertise on the cutting-edge technologies introduced into the fleets, supporting the overall transformation of naval mine warfare.

Arnaud Laure, Managing Director for Defence at Serco, said: “We are honoured to maintain the trust placed in us by both nations. This contract renewal is a testament to the strength of our partnership and our commitment to delivering exceptional support. We look forward to contributing to protecting their maritime interests under the Serexna banner.”

Steven Luys, CEO of Exail Robotics Belgium, highlighted the importance of the consortium’s role in supporting the transition to next-generation mine countermeasure systems. “It’s a privilege to support the Belgian and Dutch Navies with our advanced autonomous systems, which will enhance their mine warfare capabilities,” Luys said.

Nicolas Gaspard, CEO of Naval Group Belgium, added, “We are proud to be part of this innovative initiative and look forward to contributing our decades of naval maintenance expertise to ensure the success of this vital project.”

Image: MCM vessels are critical to modern naval operations. They are tasked with detecting, identifying, and neutralising underwater mines. Credit: Serco

News Desk 2

News Desk 2 produces the latest news for the Middle East region, with a key focus on the six GCC nations: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. News Desk 2: press@menews247.com
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