TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF MARINE SCIENCE RESEARCH VESSEL

Tender description

Project Seagrass are seeking to procure a robust workboat to conduct research and marine habitat restoration activities. A new build project or a refurbished second-hand vessel would be considered with either option providing a capable sea boat. In the case of a second-hand vessel, it must be of a high-quality with fixtures and fittings made from appropriate materials to provide longevity and avoid early wear and/or corrosion, and with a significant projected remaining lifespan. It will be suitable for conversion, where required, to meet Project Seagrass requirements. In the case of a new build, the builders will be expected to construct the vessel to a high-quality with fixtures and fittings made from appropriate materials that will provide longevity and avoid early wear and/or corrosion. A proven design with working commercial examples available for trial would be preferable. Due cognisance should be given to the relevant EU and UK legislation, Marine Guidance Notices and Codes of Practice including (but not limited to): • ‘The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Workboats and Pilot Boats’ (The Workboat Code). This code is being updated as ‘The Small commercial Vessel and Pilot Boat Code’ (Brown Code). • MGN 280 Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats – Alternative Construction Standards. • The Code of Practice for Noise Levels in Ships. • BS EN ISO 10088:2001 Small craft. Permanently installed fuel systems and fixed fuel tanks. • The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The vessel is to be MCA Coded Category 4 (20 miles from a safe haven in favourable weather & daylight) for 8 persons and shall be provided with all relevant lifesaving and safety apparatus commensurate with this level of coding and appropriate risk assessment (including but not limited to, life jackets and thermal suits). The vessel needs to be built to Lloyds SSC Rules and needs to be legally towable on UK roads by a typical ‘pick-up truck’ style 4x4. The design of the boat needs to facilitate near shore shallow working and have plenty of deck space. Stowage of all safety gear and the life raft needs to be provided to ensure desk space is maintained. The position of the helm needs to consider this need for space but also allow for movement of personnel at the rear of the vessel to aid with the deployment of equipment. An aluminium hull is our favoured design option. Project Seagrass are keen to consider landing craft style vessels that have a V shape or catamaran hull to aid stability and safety at sea. Other style (non-landing craft) aluminium hull designs will be considered. Flat bottom hulls (including those on landing craft) will not be considered since it is expected that the vessel will principally be deployed within the Irish Sea, Bristol Channel and adjoining estuaries. This area has very high tidal ranges (10 m) and is exposed to Atlantic swells. Minimum vessel length of 6 m; maximum length of 8 m; Minimum vessel beam of 2.5 m; maximum beam of 2.9 m; (size needs to fit within the legal limits of towing on UK roads). The construction of the hull needs to be of sufficient strength to enable routine drying out on intertidal sands. Preferably the vessel will be powered by twin engines but Project Seagrass would consider an option of one principal engine with a smaller auxiliary engine available for safety. The vessel requires a sprint speed of 20-25 knots. The electrical systems on the vessel need to facilitate the connection of external scientific equipment through a 12V/24V on-board electrical system and preferably 240V power through an inverter. This system should be able to facilitate running up to 3 devices concurrently. The vessel will also require a robust seawater pump and deck hose. The vessel will require a high-quality chart plotter with depth echosounder including side scan, horn, appropriate bilge, compass, and have a built-in (console mounted) VHF radio (w