Award

Provision of a Seapath and MGC Navigation System & System Upgrade for RRS Discovery

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

13 Nov 2025 at 10:43

Summary of the contracting process

The contract with ID "073439-2025" was awarded on 11th November 2025 and involves the National Oceanography Centre, a sub-central government public authority based in Southampton, UK. The procurement, titled "Provision of a Seapath and MGC Navigation System & System Upgrade for RRS Discovery," pertains to the maritime industry category. The awarded tender is for the supply, installation, and commissioning of navigation equipment and associated technical support services, delivered by Kongsberg Discovery AS from Norway. The contract value amounts to $197,332 USD, excluding VAT, and was settled through a direct procurement method, classified as below the threshold without competition, recognising the supplier as the only entity capable of delivering the required technically compliant and compatible solution. The contract is set to ensure operational continuity for the research vessel until 10th November 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses engaged in high-tech maritime navigation solutions, especially those capable of offering compatible and bespoke systems and services. Companies specialising in maritime navigation, vessel equipment upgrades, and related technical services will find such contracts conducive to growth, particularly those that can establish themselves as essential providers of original equipment and tailored integration services. As this was a direct award without competition, businesses could seek to strategically position themselves for future potential opportunities by maintaining robust partnerships and demonstrating unique capabilities that might be required by organisations such as the National Oceanography Centre.

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Notice Title

Provision of a Seapath and MGC Navigation System & System Upgrade for RRS Discovery

Notice Description

The procurement is for the supply, installation, commissioning, and technical support of a Seapath 385 Inertial Navigation System (INS) with an MGC-R3 Compass for the RRS Discovery research vessel. This system will replace the failed and obsolete Seapath Digital GPS system currently onboard. The required goods and services include: Delivery of the Seapath 385 INS and MGC-R3 Compass, including all necessary hardware, software, and documentation. Installation and commissioning of the system by Kongsberg-qualified personnel. Technical support for integration, calibration, and sea trials to ensure the system is fully operational and meets the vessel's requirements. All equipment and services must be fully compatible with the existing Kongsberg navigation suite on the vessel. The total contract value is $197,332 USD (excluding VAT). The supplier, Kongsberg Discovery A/S, is the original equipment manufacturer and the only provider able to deliver a technically compliant and compatible solution. The procurement ensures operational continuity for scientific missions and avoids the risks associated with using non-OEM alternatives. Delivery and installation will be scheduled to prevent disruption to planned research operations.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e02e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073439-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

34933000 - Navigation equipment

50241100 - Vessel repair services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£197,332 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
11 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
11 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
noc_tenders@noc.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SOUTHAMPTON
Postcode
SO14 3ZH
Post Town
Southampton
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ32 Southampton
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Southampton
Electoral Ward
Bargate
Westminster Constituency
Southampton Itchen

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

KONGSBERG DISCOVERY

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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