IN a double honour for UK Docks Marine Services, the company has been selected as a finalist for two Maritime Solent Awards.
The UK Docks team at Gosport has made the shortlist in the SME of the Year and Maritime Defence Supply Chain Enterprise of the Year categories, with the winners to be announced at a black‑tie event on October 22nd, anticipated to be attended by over 300 maritime industry leaders from across the region.
UK Docks’ business development director, Ben Mason, said: “Being named as a finalist in these awards is recognition of the work the team has put in to ensure the business is growing and sustainable for years to come.
“Our team continues to demonstrate exceptional capability, professionalism and commitment, and being named as finalists reflects the pride we take in supporting the UK’s maritime and defence sectors.
UK Docks business development director, Ben Mason.
The Maritime Solent Awards are now in their fifth year and have become one of the most prestigious fixtures in the regional maritime calendar.
Judges reported a record number of applications this year and praised the high calibre of entries, underlining the significance of UK Docks’ double nomination.
The UK Docks team in Gosport have seen sustained growth and investment, strengthening its role in supporting Ministry of Defence vessels, including the Royal Navy, Police and Border Force boats with maintenance, repair and engineering services.
In recent months, the team has won three new Ministry of Defence contracts which will see work sustained on specialist craft such as rigid inflatable boats and small fleet assets, with additional recruitment of project managers, marine engineers and shipwrights already underway to further grow the UK Docks team. The maintenance of these vessels has contributed directly to operational readiness and fleet reliability.
Being named as a finalist in the Maritime Defence Supply Chain Enterprise category reflects this impact, recognising organisations that demonstrate excellence, responsiveness and innovation in defence‑related maritime support.
The SME of the Year shortlisting recognises the company’s broader achievements as a dynamic and growing maritime business, not only supporting the defence sector.
UK Docks Marine Services continues to expand its capabilities across the Solent region, investing in skills, apprenticeships and infrastructure to meet rising demand.
The Gosport team’s contribution to local employment and the wider maritime economy has been widely acknowledged, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a trusted partner in both defence and commercial marine engineering.
Ben Mason added: “We look forward to the awards evening in October and celebrating the efforts of all those who were successfully nominated.”
Congratulations also go to fellow finalists Force Development Services (FDS) Ltd and OEMA in the Maritime Defence Supply Chain Enterprise category, and to GT Wings and XB44 in the SME of the Year category.