Sodexo has been awarded a two-year extension to its soft facilities management (FM) services contract at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth, ensuring the continued delivery of essential support services through 2028.
Valued at £16 million per annum, the extension is a significant component of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP). This framework is designed to consolidate and modernise the support and maintenance of UK naval infrastructure, equipment, and capabilities. For businesses operating within the UK defence supply chain, this extension highlights the MOD’s continued reliance on large-scale FM partners to manage complex logistical and operational requirements at high-readiness installations.
The contract covers a diverse range of soft FM functions, including cleaning, waste management, catering, retail, leisure activities, grounds maintenance, and helpdesk support. These services are delivered by a dedicated workforce of 300 personnel, providing the critical infrastructure required to support the lived experience of the thousands of service members and civilians based at HMNB Portsmouth. As the home to approximately two-thirds of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, the base represents a vital strategic asset. The continued partnership with Sodexo underscores a broader MOD policy of prioritising operational excellence and wellbeing support to maintain military readiness.
Since the inception of the contract five years ago, Sodexo has introduced several operational refinements aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability. These include the implementation of the Mindful Active Programme, which provides health and wellbeing guidance tailored to military personnel, and the adoption of the WasteWatch data-driven food waste management system. From a supply chain perspective, Sodexo’s commitment to reducing environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly chemicals and circular waste initiatives provides a clear indicator of the standards expected from sub-contractors and ancillary service providers. Suppliers focusing on green technology, sustainable materials, and digital monitoring systems are likely to find increasing opportunities as prime contractors align with the MOD’s broader carbon reduction targets.
The FMSP consists of 11 individual contracts aimed at ensuring Royal Navy personnel benefit from enhanced facilities whether at sea or on land. By maintaining high standards of service delivery at one of the UK’s most significant naval hubs, the programme secures the long-term viability of the Portsmouth naval ecosystem, which remains a major regional employer. For industry professionals, this contract extension serves as a benchmark for the integrated service models favoured by the MOD under the FMSP, where the focus remains on delivering measurable improvements to the defence estate while supporting the complex requirements of modern maritime operations.
HMNB Portsmouth (UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025)
