The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is undertaking preliminary market engagement ahead of establishing an open framework for the refit, maintenance, equipping and sustainment of its operational research vessels, including RRS James Cook and RRS Discovery, together with associated marine assets and scientific systems.
The proposed framework has an estimated total value of £65 million to £100 million excluding VAT over its full duration and is expected to run for up to eight years. As an open framework under the Procurement Act 2023, it will reopen to new suppliers at defined points during its lifetime, providing opportunities for additional organisations to join the framework.
NOC is seeking to engage with organisations across the marine engineering and technology supply chain. The scope is expected to encompass a broad range of capabilities, from vessel refit, docking and general marine engineering through to specialist support for critical vessel systems, marine research equipment, and scientific instrumentation.
The framework is expected to include opportunities in the following areas:
- Refit and docking: support across the classification cycle, including intermediate and special survey work, hull, structural and coating work, propulsion and steering intervention, tail shaft and rudder work, and repairs and renewals identified through survey. Both wet berth and dry dock capability will be required over the life of the framework.
- Marine engineering and support: marine mechanical and electrical engineering, fabrication, pipework and hydraulics, HVAC, cabling and systems installation, interior works, running maintenance, defect rectification, modification, commissioning, and mobilisation to ports in the UK and overseas.
- Critical vessel systems: support from original equipment manufacturers and approved partners for propulsion, engines and gearboxes, navigation and bridge systems, communications and information and operational technology, electrical distribution and generation, safety and lifesaving systems, and control, automation, and energy management.
- Marine research and survey systems: supply, installation, integration, calibration, servicing and upgrade of equipment including multibeam and single beam echo sounders, sub-bottom profilers, acoustic positioning, oceanographic and environmental sensors, water column and seabed sampling systems, deck handling and over-the-side deployment equipment, and associated data acquisition, processing and control infrastructure.
- Technical, professional and supply services: naval architecture, marine surveying, superintendency, class liaison, project and programme management, specialist engineering consultancy, and supply-only provision of maritime hardware, spares, components, and consumables.
Capability for decarbonisation and environmental retrofit is also of interest across all areas of the proposed framework.
The framework is expected to be divided into lots, with suppliers able to apply for one or more lots. The final lot structure, number of suppliers appointed to each lot and call-off mechanisms will be confirmed following the preliminary market engagement. Geographic capability, together with dry dock and wet berth capability, will also be recorded at framework stage.
NOC will be the sole contracting authority. Once established, work will be ordered through call-off contracts on a task-by-task basis, covering both programmed and unplanned requirements at yards, ports and NOC sites in the UK and overseas. Expected call-off routes include direct award and further competition between suppliers appointed to the relevant lot.
NOC is inviting organisations with relevant marine engineering, ship repair and refit, OEM, maritime technology, oceanographic instrumentation and specialist marine services capabilities to review the opportunity and participate in the preliminary market engagement.
Full details and the opportunity to register interest are available through the Find a Tender notice:
Marine Research Vessel Refit, Maintenance, Equipment and Support Services Framework – Find a Tender
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