Tender

Royal Charter Vessel Replacement

THE MERSEY DOCKS AND HARBOUR COMPANY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

22 Sep 2025 at 16:00

Planning

03 Apr 2025 at 11:42

Summary of the contracting process

The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company is currently seeking to procure a replacement vessel for the Royal Charter through an open competitive flexible procedure. The procurement process is at the tender stage and focuses on acquiring a multi-functional survey vessel that meets modern specifications. The tender, titled "Royal Charter Vessel Replacement," falls under the industry category of survey vessels and is intended for operations in the Port of Liverpool. The tender period concludes on 20th October 2025, with an enquiry period ending on 13th October 2025. The overall contract value is projected at £2,400,000 gross, and the procurement method emphasises quality technical specifications (60%) and price (40%).

This tender offers growth opportunities for businesses specialising in marine construction, vessel design, and survey equipment integration. Companies experienced in building or supplying versatile vessels suitable for hydrographic surveys, crew transport, and adverse weather conditions are well-suited to compete. This procurement emphasises innovative solutions and sustainability, with possibilities for both outright purchase and lease models. SMEs are encouraged to participate, underscoring the tender's dedication to fostering inclusivity and searching for agile suppliers capable of meeting technical and functional requirements within specified timelines.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Royal Charter Vessel Replacement

Notice Description

For full details in relation to subject matter of this procurement, please refer to the scope and specification document named Royal Charter Vessel Replacement, scope and specification which is included as part of the tender documentation on the Portal. In summary, Peel Ports are looking to award up to a 2 year fixed term Agreement (with an additional 12 month warranty), to 1 (one) successful Tenderer. Peel Ports are looking to replace its current survey vessel (Royal Charter) which is approaching end of life and facilitate the modal shift from aged specifications to a high-spec performing vessel with capabilities for the company's enhanced hydrographic survey offering. The scope associated with this opportunity is summarised below but not limited to; * A versatile and multi-functional vessel, dedicated to afloat survey operations and is capable to facilitate hydrographic survey duties and personnel transportation. * An ability to reach the required speed, carry and handle the required weight and provide sufficient space for crew, surveyors and equipment. * The capacity to provide good ride quality, safety and protection from extreme conditions. * The design and construction of the hull structure shall provide strength for the safe operation of the vessel, at its service draught and maximum service speed, to withstand the sea and weather conditions likely to be encountered in the intended area category of operation. * Fully conform in all aspects to the current version of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Workboat Code Edition 3, The safety of small workboats and pilot boats - a Code of Practice and is to be capable of being coded to area category 2 waters. (Categories of Operation) * Hull form is preferred to be that of a twin hull "catamaran" type. * The vessel shall be in the range of 13 metres to 17 metres. * The vessels draft should be between one (1) and two (2) metres. * The vessel shall be capable of undertaking surveying activities at speeds of 5 knots whilst having steerage way, also achieving 20 knots+ upon transits. * Vessel shall have the ability to carry 12 persons with seating, plus all other loadings as specified.

Planning Information

Peel Ports Marine Procurement is seeking to engage with the market to explore supplier interest and commercial acumen regarding the potential procurement of a new survey boat. This engagement aims to inform the development of the final procurement strategy and specification. Location: Port of Liverpool, Mersey. Scope of Engagement • Purpose: This PMEN serves as a preliminary market engagement to: I. Gauge market interest in supplying a survey boat meeting Peel Ports' specifications per section (k). II. Gather supplier insights into current market capabilities, innovative technologies, and potential commercial models. III. Inform the development of the final technical specifications and evaluation criteria. IV. Identify potential risks and opportunities associated with the procurement. • Areas of Interest: I. Technical specifications of survey boats suitable for port operations (including hull design, survey equipment integration, and performance capabilities). II. Availability of relevant survey equipment and software. iii. Delivery timelines and logistics. iV. Potential commercial models (e.g., outright purchase, lease options). Vi. Sustainability considerations. • Engagement Activities: I. Requests for information (RFIs) or questionnaires. II. One-to-one meetings with interested suppliers who demonstrate a strong likelihood of being able to meet our specification

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04fc9f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/058674-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation


CPV Codes

34500000 - Ships and boats

34513550 - Survey vessels

34520000 - Boats

34521000 - Specialised boats

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Sep 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
20 Oct 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
9 Jun 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
6 Mar 2026 - 5 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE MERSEY DOCKS AND HARBOUR COMPANY
Additional Buyers

THE MERSEY DOCKS AND HARBOUR COMPANY LIMITED

Contact Name
Melissa Rimmer
Contact Email
melissa.rimmer@peelports.com
Contact Phone
+44 01519496078

Buyer Location

Locality
LIVERPOOL
Postcode
L21 1LA
Post Town
Liverpool
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD73 Sefton
Delivery Location
TLD7 Merseyside

Local Authority
Sefton
Electoral Ward
Church
Westminster Constituency
Bootle

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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