Leopardess refurbishment cost about £850k - States

Officials have defended a boat's refit going hundreds of thousands of pounds over budget.

The Leopardess, used to patrol the Bailiwick of Guernsey's waters, has returned to the island following a refurbishment in the Netherlands after being out of action since 2024.

The States of Guernsey said the project's original budget was just under £600,000, but extra costs needed to "future proof" and make the vessel fully compliant with modern maritime safety regulations pushed the spend into the region of £850,000.

The Committee for Home Affairs said it was conscious the increased budget would be criticised, but it represented value for money as buying a new vessel would have cost about £2.8m.

"For all intents and purposes, the Leopardess is 'as new' and the investment is expected to see it deliver a 25-year working life," a committee spokesperson said.

"Both engines were replaced and a variety of new technology was fitted to the vessel to ensure it could carry out a range of functions."

The States said the money to pay for the refurbishment came from the Seized Asset Fund, which is where confiscated funds and assets that were proceeds of criminal activity are distributed from.

Claire Eley, associate director of justice and regulation, said the refit work had been extensive.

She said: "The vessel will be a valuable asset to the States of Guernsey.

"It will be used by a whole range of teams across government to protect the bailiwick's waters and carry out work at sea.

"Without it, the States would simply not have the maritime capability to do this work."

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