Marine Survey Vessel

Scottish Natural Heritage

Published: Jul 24, 2026

Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Source: Public Contracts Scotland

About This Opportunity

This is a supplies contract in the transport and logistics sector, with a focus on Maritime. Located in United Kingdom, Europe, this opportunity is open to firms and consortiums, with an estimated budget of GBP 188,000. Proposals must be submitted before August 24, 2026.

Published through Public Contracts Scotland, a national government procurement portal. Public procurement tenders follow the country's national bidding regulations and may have specific eligibility and documentation requirements for the supply of goods in the transport and logistics sector. Supply contracts typically require bidders to demonstrate product compliance with technical specifications, delivery capacity, and relevant certifications. Interested parties should review the full documentation on the original source before submitting their proposal.

Description

NatureScot’s survey vessel, Aphrodite, is a 24-year-old rigid hull inflatable boat that has reached the end of its recommended service life. NatureScot therefore requires the design, manufacture, commissioning, and delivery of a replacement versatile survey vessel and trailer capable of conducting marine environmental monitoring for a range of diverse habitats and species in Scotland’s inshore waters. The vessel will be used by NatureScot to undertake marine environmental monitoring and survey activities within Scotland’s inshore waters (within 12nm). The vessel shall provide a safe, reliable, and versatile platform capable of supporting a range of scientific and operational activities, including: - Marine Protected Area (MPA) monitoring - Benthic habitat surveys - Species monitoring and evidence-gathering - Diver-based surveys and sampling - Drop-down video (DDV) and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) surveys - Deployment and recovery of scientific monitoring equipment - Acoustic monitoring and hydrographic survey activities - Operations in remote coastal and island locations (e.g. Shiant Isles, Mingulay and Sanday (Orkney)) The vessel shall be capable of supporting these activities whilst carrying personnel and equipment safely in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements.. Scotland Excel is acting on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage (NatureScot) in the execution of this tender but will not be party to the contract or the management of the contract throughout its lifetime. The duration of the contract may be varied in line with the finalised delivery programme.

Data provenance

This notice is sourced from Public Contracts Scotland and was originally published on July 24, 2026. Last refreshed today. BidsFactory mirrors official procurement notices and links back to the source for full legal text.

About Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Natural Heritage has issued 56 procurement notices on BidsFactory, including 2 currently open and 10 awarded contracts. Activity concentrates in Environment & Climate, Information & Communication Technology, and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning. All notices are published for United Kingdom. Notices are distributed via Public Contracts Scotland and UK FTS - Find a Tender Service. Most recent publication: July 24, 2026.

Frequently asked questions about this tender

Where will the contract be performed?

The contract is for delivery in United Kingdom. Foreign bidders should review local registration, taxation, and any in-country presence requirements before submitting.

How can I submit a bid?

Visit Public Contracts Scotland to access the full notice, required documents, and submission instructions provided by the contracting authority.

When does this tender close?

The submission deadline is August 24, 2026. You have 30 days left to prepare and submit your proposal to the contracting authority.

Who is the contracting authority?

This notice was issued by Scottish Natural Heritage in United Kingdom. The authority is responsible for evaluating bids, awarding the contract, and managing performance.

What type of contract is this?

This is a Supplies contract in the Transport & Logistics sector. The classification helps bidders match the opportunity to their qualifications and registered scope of supply.

What is the estimated budget?

The estimated contract value is Up to £188,000. Bidders should ensure their proposals are consistent with this range and account for any local taxes and contract execution costs.