Futures Afloat

Tender description

Futures Afloat is a project that includes the replacement of Trinity House’s ageing multi-functional buoy handling tenders (MFTs). the scope of this procurement includes the construction of modern multi-function buoy handling tenders that will replace THV Patricia as a priority and subsequently THV Galatea. A replacement for THV Alert is within scope of the Futures Afloat project but is out of the scope of this procurement. Futures Afloat is intended to drive a strong competition through a pipeline of ship building activity based on THV Patricia and THV Galatea sharing a common design along a defined timeline. THV Alert will require a separate design and timeline. Lot 1: THV Patricia and THV Galatea are MFTs. Their functions include: to service and periodically renew England & Wales’s 450 navigation buoys and other aids to navigation; locate, mark and protect shipping from dangerous wrecks; and to contribute to hydrographic surveys. THV Patricia is reaching the end of its serviceable life and could suffer enduring non-serviceability at any time. THV Galatea will be approaching 25 years of service by the time it is replaced. Modern technology and a requirement to operate more energy efficient, low carbon emitting vessels accelerate its potential obsolescence and the need for its replacement. This procurement is intended to identify and appoint a contractor to design, construct and deliver the required replacement vessels. As a result of a thorough review of design and capability requirements, Trinity House envisages the procurement of a multi-function buoy handling tenders with the following basic characteristics: •Capable of handling largest type 1 steel buoys with tail tube fitted •Twin Head multibeam hydrographic suite •Boat launch and recovery (Fast and work boat) in a seaway •Capacity to tow a lightvessel. •Helicopter deck •Improvement in sea keeping and fuel saving •Diesel / Electric hybrid with overnight (12hr) hotel load on battery (Quiet running). Ability to take shore power. •Improved hull performance compared with the existing THV Galatea maintaining speed in poor sea conditions. •Max Draught 4.5m •The following changes have been made from the design in the previous tender: •Cabin reduction to 36. •Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) garage requirement removed. •Helicopter-deck size increase to future proof against airframe size increase. •Diesel Electric Hybrid main engine(s) but Methanol fuel ready. •Increased working deck size using Galatea working deck size as a baseline. •Vertical replenishment operations capability from working deck. •Main propulsion provided by two Azimuth Thrusters – increase in market appetite to install such propulsion equipment and benefit of freeing up space in the hull. •Service speed of 13knts in 2m Significant Wave Height with one engine out of service to offer resilience. •Deck Height reduced to 2200mm. Additional information: Contract works, place of delivery and place of performance at a ship building yard to be determined. Authority sanctioned variant bids may be considered. Other more detailed considerations such as estimated contract value will be released in due course.