The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) provides large-scale, long-term, and world-class tropical research that helps governments, industry, and the wider community make informed decisions about managing our marine estate.
AIMS research aims to achieve healthier marine ecosystems and economic, social, and environmental benefits for all Australians. The agency operates a significant collection of research infrastructure. This includes two regional-class research vessels – the 34.9-metre RV Solander and the 23.9-metre RV Cape Ferguson.
With the RV Cape Ferguson approaching end of life, AIMS is undertaking a project to design and build the next-generation research vessel. The Federal Government has provided funding for AIMS to develop the design and detailed business case for a replacement vessel, containerised modular capabilities, and supporting infrastructure.
Developing the design of the next-generation research vessel includes investigating and providing solutions to optimise vessel layout and scientific capability. Research vessels worldwide are moving to the modular capability style with a standard six-metre ISO footprint container. Using a standard footprint enables more flexibility in deployments of scientific capability, and access to more equipment from across the wider research vessel operator community.
AIMS seeks Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified contractors for the AIMS Replacement Research Vessel Program to undertake the regional-class research vessel containerised modular capability design, engineering, and manufacturing services.
Potential providers can design and construct only one, two, or three of these container configurations. Type 1 Lined (Manned)
· 3m and 6m hi-top DNV-certified cargo container
· Ship-type service container
· Top-loading requirement 3T
Type 2 Lined (Storage)
· 3m and 6m hi-top CSC-certified cargo container
· Top-loading requirement 3T
Type 3 Storage Cages
· 3m and 6m hi-top CSC-certified cargo container
· Modified caged and flat-deck configurations
Conditions of participation include company or facility certification to ISO 9001. The time frame for delivery is 12 months post contract award.
AIMS intends to develop a shortlist of suitable modular capability contractors it will then invite to respond to a Request for Tender (RFT).
The closing time and date for responses is 5pm ACT local time on 17 November 2023.
The closing time and date for responses is 5pm ACT local time on 17 November 2023.
If you are after further advice on this topic or any tender opportunity, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
