Cable Management System- Shore to Ship Power, Oban Base

The Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) is seeking to procure a Cable Management System to enable shore-to-ship power (cold ironing) for its vessel NLV Pole Star at the Oban operational base. The requirement forms part of NLB’s wider commitment to environmental sustainability and reduced emissions through the provision of onshore electrical power to vessels while berthed.

The scope includes the design, supply, installation, integration, and commissioning of a safe, reliable, and operationally efficient cable management solution capable of delivering shore power under site-specific conditions. The system must address key operational challenges, including tidal variation, quay-side constraints, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and minimisation of disruption to ongoing base activities.

Suppliers are expected to provide a robust and scalable solution, potentially based on proven or off-the-shelf technologies, that ensures:

Safe and efficient cable handling and deployment between shore and vessel

Compliance with relevant marine, electrical, and safety standards

Minimal requirement for significant civil works (e.g. quay strengthening)

Integration with existing shore power infrastructure

The estimated contract value is approximately £500,000, with an initial 2-year contract term (plus optional 1-year extension). The procurement will be awarded using a Best Technically Affordable (BTA) approach, prioritising high-quality, technically compliant solutions within a fixed budget.

A site visit is planned at Oban Base for 1st July