UMC teamed with the US oilfield, defence and aerospace engineering contractor, Oceaneering International to bid for this contract.  A further contract was awarded to Oceaneering - to perform similar work for vessels operating off the East Coast of North and South America, with UMC helping to train the Oceaneering dive crews based in Norfolk Virginia. 

UMC will supply all of the specialist hull cleaning and propeller polishing equipment for both contracts.  It should be noted that the US Navy operates a very difficult, long and challenging equipment approval process and UMC’s Mini Pamper hull cleaning vehicle is the first of its kind to be approved for use on US Navy ships in more than fifteen years.

This US Navy contract award builds on UMC’s boat repair agreement held with the US Navy’s 5^th Fleet operating in the Middle East, as well as its long-term strength in the international naval market.  It also enhances UMC’s global presence, with particular strength in the Middle East, where UMC will support much of the contract from its new operational base in Bahrain.

UMC’s global Mini Pamper hull cleaning network is growing steadily with over 40 systems currently in service.  Many are operated by UMC while others by partner companies who have procured the hull cleaning equipment from UMC.  More than 70% of UMC’s hull cleaning operation is undertaken for commercial tonnage and the remainder military.  A research and development programme is in place to provide the next generation of hull cleaning capabilities.

Commenting on the contract award, Alan Trevarthen, MD of UMC said: “Our team has worked hard to secure this prestigious contract and look forward to working closely with our new partner Oceaneering”.