---
title: "Antarctic Charter Vessels Framework"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-02a685"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-02a685"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-02a685.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-02a685.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION"
published: "2021-04-15"
---

# Antarctic Charter Vessels Framework

Buyer: UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-02a685

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## Summary

The UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), specifically the British Antarctic Survey, is planning the Antarctic Charter Vessels Framework, which aims to establish a framework for ship chartering services necessary for transporting cargo and passengers from the UK to Antarctica and between various Antarctic locations. The tender process is currently in the planning stage, with a market engagement event scheduled for 22nd April 2021 from 2pm to 4pm via Zoom, where prospective suppliers can learn more about the requirements and ask questions. Interested parties must confirm their attendance by 3pm on 20th April 2021, and an estimated budget of £9,500,000 has been allocated for this project.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses in the maritime and logistics sectors, particularly those with expertise in ship chartering, passenger transport, and cargo logistics. Companies that can meet stringent requirements, such as ice-class vessels and the handling of dangerous goods, would be well-positioned to compete for contracts related to this framework. The anticipated services involve complex logistical challenges that could benefit from innovative solutions and robust operational capabilities, making this an excellent chance for growth in a niche market.

## Notice

This PIN is to advise the market of UKRI/NERC/BAS intentions regarding the planned creation of a framework for the charter of vessels for transport of 1) cargo and passenger from UK to South Atlantic/Antarctica, 2) Passengers from UK port to Antarctica, providing hotel accommodation at Rothera for passengers (who will work ashore each day) and return of passengers from Rothera to UK port, 3) Passengers from Rothera to Antarctic gateway port (or Antarctic Gateway port to Rothera). It is intended that a market engagement event will be held on 22/04/2021. Please refer to the additional information field for details on how to express an interest and information regarding the Market Engagement Event.

### Lot Information

Transport or cargo and passengers from UK port (Harwich). Call to Bird Island, King Edward Point, Signy and Rothera. (2 calls to each station) Return to UK. (Harwich)

High Level ship requirements: Minimum 50-passenger capacity UK to UK. Passengers on and off at BAS stations and ports called into. Minimum 40 x 20 foot cargo container capacity, each container may weigh up to 20,000kg. Fuel delivery to stations. To enable continued operation of the stations the vessel must have the ability to deliver fuel to Rothera, Bird Island and Signey Stations: Capacity to carry Break bulk items of cargo that cannot be containerised. Ability to carry all types of dangerous goods: Small boating capability to include: *Cargo tender with the capacity to deliver 10 tonnes of cargo or staff from ship to small Island stations where main ship cannot dock. *Small boats to deploy scientific field parties via beach landings. Ice class of sufficient standard to reach Rothera station in mid-December and not depart Rothera until late April. To reach Signy station in Early November. Polar Code compliant. Must be able to dock at: KEP and Rothera.

Transport of Passengers from UK port to Rothera. Provide hotel accommodation at Rothera for passengers (who will work ashore each day). Passengers from Rothera to UK port.

High Level ship requirements: 100-passenger capacity UK to UK (including time at Rothera). Passengers on and off at BAS stations and ports called into. Vessel to remain at Rothera to provide hotel accommodation for up to 100 people during the Rothera Antarctic summer season. It is anticipated that during the Antarctic season the vessel will have to return to an Antarctic gateway port to re fuel and re supply. Small boating capability to include boats capable of beach landings. The vessel must be capable of leaving the Rothera wharf each morning and returning each evening to allow aircraft operations to be completed by BAS aircraft. Ice class of sufficient standard to reach Rothera station in mid-December and not depart Rothera until 1st May. Polar Code compliant Biosecurity compliant to BAS & Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) specifications

Transport of Passengers from Rothera to Antarctic gateway port (or Antarctic Gateway port to Rothera).

High Level ship requirements: To either deliver station staff to or from Rothera at the start or end of the season. 100-passenger capacity Rothera to Antarctic Gateway port (or vice versa). Passengers on and off at BAS stations and ports called into. All victualing, full board (food and soft drinks) to be included in charter cost. Must be able to dock at Rothera or transfer staff and personal luggage between ship and Rothera station via small boats in a safe and efficient manner. All fuel is to be procured by the ship operators and charged back to BAS at the same rate. Ice class of sufficient standard to reach Rothera station as early as mid-December and as late as 1st May. Polar Code compliant Biosecurity compliant to BAS specifications & BAS Biosecurity Regulations

Resupply of Halley Station or BAS traverse coastal depot site from Antarctic Gateway port. (For lot 4 only Antarctic Gateway port may include Cape Town)

Ships going to Halley or to BAS traverse offload sites are required to be able to self-moor against either sea ice that is against the edge of the ice shelf or low shelf ice suitable for safe cargo operations. Due to the variability of thickness and condition of sea ice, cargo loads must be broken down on-board the ship. Snow machines will take cargo from the ships side to depot locations. Cargo will be delivered to the Antarctic gateway port by BAS. 40 x 20 foot container capacity, each container may weigh up to 20,000kg. Fuel delivery: To enable continued operation of the station and BAS traverse offload sites the vessel must have the ability to deliver: *Bulk Aviation fuel to either Halley or traverse offload site. *Drummed Aviation fuel. Cranage to offload all cargo carried. (Minimum carnage should be 35,000kg at 20m reach) Ice class of sufficient standard to reach Halley or traverse offload sites as early as 25th Dec or as late as 1st Mar. Polar Code compliant

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007956-2021 |
| Notice type | Planning Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 15 Apr 2021 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 30 Apr 2021 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £9,500,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planned |
| Lots status | Planned |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION |
| Locality | SWINDON |
| Post town | Swindon |
| Postcode | SN2 1FL |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire |
| ITL 3 | TLK71 Swindon |
| Local authority | Swindon |
| Electoral ward | Rodbourne Cheney |
| Westminster constituency | Swindon North |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

### Codes

- 63726400 - Ship chartering services

## Release History

- 15 Apr 2021 at 15:25 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007956-2021

## Notice URLs

- http://www.ukri.org.uk
- https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=580525649

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-02a685. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-02a685.json.