MP Bob Seely has urged the government to consider Isle of Wight shipbuilders when it replaces its fleet of border patrol vessels, or ‘cutters’ from March 2026.
Mr Seely said he wanted to see the contract for British vessels awarded to British shipbuilders but particularly those operating on the Island.
In a letter to Home Office Minister, Tom Pursglove, he urged the department to “actively consider the options to tender the contract for British vessels to British shipbuilders such as Wight Shipyard.”
He said: “Wight Shipyard have informed me of their interest in the contract. The company is confident that it has the facilities to make a competitive bid.”
Mr Seely visited Wight Shipyard in February.
He said: “Wight Shipyard is going from strength to strength. The number of PAYE employees has trebled and bosses continue to look at options to expand further and take on even more apprentices.
“I’m keen to support them. The expansion of their operations will bring even more jobs and prosperity to the Island - and create career paths for young Islanders into well-paid jobs.
“Our shipbuilders have the skills, the capability and the capacity on the Island to deliver this contract. I am making sure the government knows it.”
