UK: Portsmouth Naval Base, Home Office’s Border Force Sign Berthing Agreement

Portsmouth Naval Base and the Home Office’s Border Force have signed a berthing agreement which should help protect the region’s sea ports.

The agreement – a Memorandum of Understanding – means any five of the Border Force patrol vessels can stop off at berths in the naval base or across Portsmouth Harbour at Fort Blockhouse, Gosport.

The new berths offer increased security – particularly when towing in and searching suspect vessels ¬and the ability to refuel 24 hours a day.

They replace the vessels’ former berth at Haslar Marina, Gosport.

Doug McLellan, assistant director of maritime operations for Border Force, said:

“This is an important step forward. Border Force and the Royal Navy are organisations with hundreds of years of history and both involved in protecting our frontiers.

“Operationally it will be useful for us as the naval base offers a discreet place to carry out our business.

“The Royal Navy has made us feel very welcome and we are delighted to be collaborating with them in this way.”

Naval Base Commander, Commodore Jeremy Rigby, added:

“The agreement is an example of cross government co-operation and we look forward to working together in improving the security of our home waters.”

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Naval Today Staff, December 7, 2012; Image: Royal Navy