Ships and boats

Tender description

The Welsh Government is seeking a fleet of 3 vessels to be used throughout the Welsh Zone including the St George's Channel and Celtic Deep as well as inshore and intertidal waters. The 3 vessels envisaged will include a vessel not exceeding the 24m loadline length of the MCA Workboat Code designated Southern Fisheries Patrol Vessel SFPV, a vessel of no greater than 19m length overall designated Northern Fisheries Patrol Vessel NFPV, and a Cabin RIB of about 12m overall length designated C-RIB. The C-RIB shall be used in the Welsh Zone but shall be capable of operating, in co-operation with the UK Royal Navy and other EU forces. Predominant area of operations will be around Aberystwyth in inshore waters 0-12nm and operating typically no further than 20nm offshore but capable of operating up to 60nm from a safe haven in line with Cat 2 coding, providing sustained autonomous operations up to one complete day, albeit refuelling after a journey of approximately 200nm may be undertaken. The SFPV vessel shall be used in the Welsh Zone but shall be capable of operating, in co-operation with the UK Royal Navy and other EU forces. Predominant area of operations will be the South, South-West and West of Wales with patrols extending out into the Celtic Deep including St George's Channel. Being a year round activity, there will be unavoidable periods of very severe weather. The primary task for this vessel is to carry out patrol and boarding duties. The patrol and enforcement work would need to take account of weather conditions by planning, both in respect of the capability of the vessel on station but also with respect to RIB boarding possibilities. The NFPV will be used in the Welsh Zone but capable of operating, in co-operation with the UK Royal Navy and other EU forces. Predominant area of operations will be the North, North-West and West of Wales. Operation in the South West including the Celtic Deep is to be possible. Primary task of the vessel is to carry out patrol and boarding duties via a RIB. Other tasks will include intertidal fisheries, scientific, enforcement work around the coast of Wales. For intertidal work the vessel shall be able to proceed into shallow water and take the ground (predominantly soft sand). The vessel will refloat without damage once the tide returns. Power for operations, including ATV launch and recovery is required whilst the vessel is dry.