VT preferred bidder for Oman contract

The UK based shipbuilder and support service firm VT has been selected as the preferred bidder to enter the next round of discussions for the supply of ocean patrol vessels for the Royal Navy of Oman. Technical and contractual negotiations will begin next month and should be concluded by late summer 2006, said the group.

The contract duration will be four years and the value will be in excess of $700m, including initial support.

Chief executive Paul Lester said, “This is set to be a major export success and extends the long and successful relationship that we have had with the Royal Navy of Oman over the past 25 years. With our work on the UK’s Type 45 destroyer and future aircraft carrier, this additional workload will ensure that our shipbuilding division will be operating at a high level of activity for several years to come.”