C21580 The Supply of a Charter Crew Transfer Vessel

Border Force currently has a total fleet of five Cutters and six Coastal Patrol Vessels (CPVs). These vessels are well equipped to tackle a range of roles such as maritime security, border control, anti-smuggling, counterterrorism, disaster relief and more.

Cutters operate mainly in UK waters; they have responded to deployments from the Baltic to the Mediterranean. (Coastal patrol, EEZ, ocean use). CPV’s operate in Coastal Waters; releasing the larger Border Force Cutters to complete longer-range operations around the coast. Their shallow draft makes them ideal for patrolling close to shore, accessing marinas and beaches where waters are shallow

Border Force wish to explore with the market the following two options:

Option 1 Bare Boat Charter

Option 2 Crewed Charter.

It is anticipated the Charter Vessel will operate in the box between Eastbourne, Dieppe, Ostend and Margate including British and French Territorial Waters. The Charter Vessel will be primarily operated on daily 12 hours shifts 7 days a week and must be capable of operating for up to 24 hours continuously in sea state 6.

A Charter Vessel must contain the following:

• Split level wheelhouse and accommodation decks
• Large fore and aft decks free from obstructions
• Stern rescue platform allowing direct access to waterline level
• Waterjets or propellers that could be fully clutched out during rescue
• Separate alongside rescue zone
• Capability to tow multiple vessels up to 2 tonnes bollard pull each
• Ability to embark up to 12 Operational Border Force staff plus 3 crew
• Ability to embark more than 75 passengers in addition to operating staff.
• UK registered.
• No more than 8 metres beam to allow access to Wick Channel, Dover
• No more than 1.5 metres draft to allow unrestricted access to tidal ports
• Service speed greater than 20 knots
• Fuel capacity in excess of 15,000 litres
• Provision of commercial crew to operate vessel
• Crew must be experienced and hold the appropriate qualifications/experiences and licences to operate the charter vessel.
• Provision of training to embarked officers to act as crew in emergency situations
• Deck accessed toilet or space to fit such
• Galley area for crew welfare
• Large capacity for storage of provisions applicable to the operation

The following is considered desirable for a Charter Vessel:

• Deck crane or ability to launch small rescue craft
• Ability to carry an Aero box or container on the foredeck
• Workspace in the wheelhouse for the Border Force Officer in Charge to operate.
• Service speed greater than 25 knots.

When responding to this notice please could you include the following information:

1. Please specify whether your organisation is interested in Option 1 Bare Boat Charter and / or Option 2 Crewed Charter.
2. Please provide the details of the vessels available and quantities which meet the requirements of Border Force as set out above. If an alternative vessel is available which may be considered suitable to meet our operational needs, please include the details of the vessel(s) when expressing an interest in this requirement.
3. Please specify if your organisation is already a preferred supplier with another government department (included in another Government framework agreement).