Tender: Pelagic Trawler Charter for IESNS Acoustic-Trawl Survey — UK Component (Apr–May 2027)

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Cefas is seeking a supplier to provide a 50+ m pelagic trawler, suitably equipped and crewed to conduct a 13-day acoustic-trawl survey for the International Ecosystem Survey in the Nordic Sea (IESNS) as the UK component in spring 2027; the contract is estimated at £400,000 per survey and runs initially from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028 with possible annual extensions subject to funding. The vessel must operate acoustic transects 24/7 and carry out directed mid-water trawling, collect biological samples, CTD profiles and plankton ring-net samples across the survey area between latitudes 62°–69°N and longitudes 13°W–6°E, be available for 13 consecutive days within the survey window (survey dates noted within the tender as 20/04/2027–20/05/2027 and elsewhere 20/04/2027–31/05/2027), embark/disembark in a Scottish mainland port (e.g. Fraserburgh, Peterhead), and accommodate a minimum of six Cefas scientists. Required vessel equipment and capabilities include split-beam echosounders at 38 and 200 kHz (SIMRAD ES80/EK80 preferred or equivalent), a mid-water trawl with ~30 m vertical opening and a codend liner (mesh ≤4 cm), block and winch for 1000 m wire to deploy a 50 cm mouth plankton net (2.60 m height) and CTD, at least 2.5 m3 freezing for biological samples, safe wet and dry working spaces for sample processing and acoustic monitoring, and compliance with UK/international fishing vessel safety standards. The supplier must hold or procure required insurances (including Employer’s Liability £5m, Public Liability £5m, Professional Indemnity £5m, Protection & Indemnity £2,000,000, General Third-Party Liability £5,000,000 and Marine Hull insurance at least the value of the vessel), provide a valid in-date CMID inspection before commencement, support permission/licence details as requested by Cefas (including possible MMO/Crown Estate or Kingfisher Bulletin information), follow Cefas reporting requirements for accidents/incidents and post-survey environmental/quality reporting (including engine capacity, distance travelled, fuel used and any lost gear), and demonstrate a proactive health and safety approach.