The Ministry of Defence’s Material and Purchasing Authority (FMI) has decided to cancel the purchase of seven fast rubber boats due to serious defects and flaws in the vessels. This step comes after a thorough evaluation, which found that the costs of fixing the defects would exceed the original acquisition price of the boats. The decision was announced in a press release from FMI, stating that the supplier, Pro-Safe Aps, has been informed of the cancellation of the purchase. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence had already expressed concern over potentially serious flaws in both old and newly purchased rubber boats, leading to a comprehensive investigation of the situation.
Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen had previously commented on the matter, emphasizing the seriousness and the necessity of gaining a full overview of the actual circumstances. External assistance was sought to help identify and describe the observed deficiencies in the rubber boats. This cancellation of the rubber boat purchase raises questions about the future procurement procedures and quality control within the Ministry of Defence, and how similar problems can be avoided.