Planning

Cable Management System- Shore to Ship Power, Oban Base

NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSE BOARD

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

12 Sep 2025 at 10:25

Summary of the contracting process

The Northern Lighthouse Board, a central government public authority, is in the planning stage for the procurement of a cable management system to support shore-to-ship power at Oban Base. This project aims to reduce fuel use and emissions by providing a shore power connection for vessels previously reliant on onboard diesel generators. Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, the preliminary market engagement commenced on 12th September 2025, and expressions of interest are invited by 30th September 2025. This procurement involves works within the marine equipment industry category, with the contract period expected from December 2025 to March 2026.

This tender creates opportunities for businesses specialising in marine equipment and installations, particularly those offering mobile cable management solutions adaptable to tidal movements and compliant with safety standards. Companies with expertise in marine-base support services and capable of providing corrosion-resistant, user-friendly systems are well-suited to compete. The project aligns with Northern Lighthouse Board’s sustainability objectives, presenting a valuable opportunity for innovative firms to engage with government clients and contribute to environmental advancements through reliable and straightforward solutions. Interested suppliers are encouraged to engage and discuss their proposals, as this project offers potential for business growth in collaboration with a strategic governmental entity.

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Notice Title

Cable Management System- Shore to Ship Power, Oban Base

Notice Description

Historically, vessels at Oban Base have relied solely on onboard diesel generators while berthed, leading to continued fuel use and associated emissions. There has been no shore power provision in place. The procurement of a cable management system is a strategic requirement, aligned with NLB's long-term sustainability objectives and operational shift toward cleaner technologies. It is driven by the introduction of NLV Pole Star, a new hybrid-powered vessel constructed by Gondan Shipbuilders in Spain. Pole Star features state-of-the-art hybrid systems designed to significantly reduce environmental impact. To fully realise its capabilities, the vessel requires a compatible shore power connection when alongside. At this stage, we expect the contract scope to cover the supply, delivery, installation support, commissioning, and maintenance of a shore-to-ship cable management system at Oban Base, however this is to be confirmed. This includes all associated equipment, software (if applicable), training for NLB and vessel crews, and ongoing support services. We are inviting expressions of interest from suppliers who can provide mobile cable management systems that meet the key operational, technical, and environmental requirements of the Shore to Ship Project at Oban Base. The selected solution should adhere to the following essential project constraints: Flexibility and Mobility: The system must be fully mobile, allowing for easy deployment and removal, with minimal impact on the base's operations when not in use. Compatibility with Tidal Movements: The solution must be capable of operating effectively across the full tidal range at Oban Base, with the ability to accommodate fluctuations in water level while maintaining safe and stable cable connections. Safety and Compliance: The system must comply with relevant safety standards, including IEC PAS 80005-3, ensuring safe operation during cable connection and disconnection processes. The design should incorporate features that prevent damage to cables and ensure the integrity of the connection under dynamic marine conditions. Minimal Infrastructure Impact: The solution should require minimal or no modifications to existing infrastructure at Oban Base, particularly avoiding the need for significant deck strengthening or large-scale civil works. Environmental Suitability: The system must be able to withstand harsh marine environments, with corrosion-resistant materials and the ability to operate effectively in a range of weather and sea conditions. Operational Simplicity: The system should be user-friendly, requiring minimal training for both shore and ship personnel. It should also involve straightforward maintenance procedures to ensure long-term reliability and ease of operation. We invite suppliers who can meet these criteria to engage with us. Please contact us to express your interest and to discuss how your solution can support the successful delivery of this important project. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://nlb.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Edinburgh:-Marine-equipment./A3UXK468NS To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://nlb.delta-esourcing.com/respond/A3UXK468NS

Planning Information

If you can support this project with viable solutions, or have expertise in developing or enhancing mobile cable management technology that meets the outlined operational and technical requirements, we invite you to get in touch. Your feedback, technical insights, and proposals are valuable as we explore potential solutions and move towards the procurement phase.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059936
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/056101-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

45 - Construction work

98 - Other community, social and personal services


CPV Codes

34930000 - Marine equipment

45244100 - Marine installations

98362100 - Marine-base support services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£600,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Sep 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSE BOARD
Contact Name
Graham Allan
Contact Email
procurement@nlb.org.uk
Contact Phone
0131 473 3130

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH2 3DA
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh North and Leith

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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