Award

UKRI-4667 NERC Research Vessels Refit, Upgrade and Maintenance Services

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 5 releases in its history.

AwardUpdate

23 Apr 2026 at 12:20

Award

20 Apr 2026 at 14:36

Tender

04 Dec 2025 at 15:07

PlanningUpdate

28 Aug 2025 at 08:58

Planning

22 Aug 2025 at 14:19

Summary of the contracting process

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), located in Swindon, Wiltshire, is establishing a framework agreement for refit, upgrade, and maintenance services of the RRS Sir David Attenborough research vessel. The agreement will cover operations across a global footprint and is aimed at maintaining high standards as required by flag state and classification society requirements. The procurement process is currently complete, having passed through stages of planning, tender submission, and award. Key dates include the contract's commencement on 1st May 2026 with a standstill period ending on 29th April 2026. The award is valued at £9,000,000, with extension options potentially stretching the contract until 30th April 2030 under the open procedure method.

This tender provides opportunities for businesses specialising in ship repair and maintenance services to participate in a large-scale contract with the UKRI. The successful supplier, Orskov Yard A/S from Denmark, has been selected through an open procedure, highlighting the competitive potential for international businesses. Large-scale enterprises with capabilities to offer global support during emergency repairs and dockings will find this tender appealing. Companies capable of leveraging experience with the RRS Sir David Attenborough’s unique requirements stand to benefit from sustained growth and knowledge enhancement through involvement in this project.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

UKRI-4667 NERC Research Vessels Refit, Upgrade and Maintenance Services

Notice Description

UKRI wishes to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of refit, upgrade and maintenance services for the RRS Sir David Attenborough. The Framework Agreement (Agreement) will be awarded to a single Supplier for a period of two years with an extension option of up to two years (2+1+1). The Supplier will also be able to provide global support should emergency repairs/dockings be required to be undertaken outside of scheduled maintenance periods. The Agreement will: * ensure vessels are maintained to the standards required by UKRI. * ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with Flag State and Classification Society requirements. * provide continuity in maintenance standards and utilise one organisation that will gain experience and knowledge of the RRS Sir David Attenborough * cover the global footprint of operations for RRS Sir David Attenborough

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: Option to extend as stated

Renewal: The Contract duration shall be for a period of two (2) years with two optional extensions of (1) year each, from commencement of the Contract (2+1+1). The total duration will not exceed four (4) years.

Planning Information

Supplier Webinar: Potential Suppliers are invited to attend a (virtual) Supplier Webinar, occurring 08 September 2025. This will allow all Potential Suppliers to fully comprehend and understand the requirement further. Intention to attend the Supplier Webinar must be communicated via the e-sourcing portal by 05 September 2025, including the subject matter ‘UKRI-4667 Supplier Webinar Request’. Suppliers may be sent an RFI Questionnaire, and a further engagement session may take pace in October. Please find details of the opportunity here: https://ukri2.my.salesforce-sites.com/ProSpend__CS_ContractPage?SearchType=Projects&uid=a1MTm000007K9azMAC&searchStr=&sortStr=Recently+Published&page=1&filters=&County=

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058d0a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037071-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

50241000 - Repair and maintenance services of ships

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£9,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£9,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£9,000,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Apr 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
16 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
27 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
16 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
30 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
2028-11-01

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ORSKOV YARD

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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