Marine Research Vessel Refit, Maintenance, Equipment and Support Services Framework Tender

National Oceanography Centre

About this tender

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is establishing an open framework for the refit, maintenance, equipping and sustainment of its operational research vessels (RRS James Cook and RRS Discovery) and associated marine assets across their working life. The framework will cover: refit and docking support including survey work (hull, structural, coating, propulsion, steering, tailshaft, rudder repairs); general marine engineering and support (mechanical, electrical, fabrication, pipework, HVAC, cabling, interior works, running maintenance); support for critical vessel systems (propulsion, engines, navigation, communications, electrical, safety, control systems); support for marine research and survey systems (echo sounders, sensors, sampling systems, deployment equipment); technical and professional marine services (naval architecture, surveying, project management); maritime hardware supply; and decarbonisation/environmental retrofit capabilities. Work will be ordered by call-off contract on a task-by-task basis at yards, ports and NOC sites in the United Kingdom and overseas. The framework is expected to be established as an open framework under the Procurement Act 2023, with a duration of up to eight years.

Bidder eligibility

Suppliers must be capable of providing services in one or more of the specified areas. The framework will record geographic capability (UK and overseas), dry dock or wet berth capability at framework stage. Suppliers will be able to apply for one or more lots. No specific prior contract experience, financial standing thresholds, or registrations are detailed in the notice.

How bids are scored

Evaluation criteria not specified in the notice. The notice indicates that call-off routes will include direct award and further competition among suppliers appointed to the relevant lot, with the applicable route set out in framework documents.

Key requirements

• ✓Refit and docking support including hull, structural, coating, propulsion, steering, tailshaft and rudder work across classification cycles
• ✓General marine engineering capability (mechanical, electrical, fabrication, pipework, HVAC, cabling, interior works, running maintenance) in UK and overseas
• ✓Critical vessel systems support from OEMs and approved partners (propulsion, engines, gearboxes, navigation, communications, electrical distribution, safety systems, automation)
• ✓Marine research and survey systems supply, installation, integration, calibration and servicing (multibeam/singlebeam echo sounders, sub-bottom profilers, acoustic positioning)

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Ocean and blue economy funding covers marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, coastal resilience and ocean technology. Support comes from public research bodies, development finance and ocean-focused foundations. Calls often favour projects that involve coastal communities and that can be monitored at sea.