Objectives

To secure a qualified contractor for the timely and reliable provision of hydraulic repairs and maintenance services for the Transnet National Ports Authority Dredging Services fleet. The primary goal is to maintain vessel operational readiness, minimise downtime, and ensure long-term asset performance through responsive, high-quality technical support.

Scope

The contract operates on an “as and when required” call-off basis for a period of three (3) years, covering the Eastern, Western, and Central regions. Services apply to four designated dredging vessels: Ilembe, Isandlwana, Italeli, and Mohoma. The scope encompasses comprehensive hydraulic system maintenance, including cylinder overhaul, valve servicing, piping and hose replacement, protective coating application, scaffolding/staging provision, and supervisory day labour. Pricing is structured on a unit-rate basis, with contractual values for Years 2 and 3 fixed at Year 1 rates plus applicable VAT.

Technical Requirements

• Cylinder Overhaul: Complete removal, refitting, stripping, cleaning, and inspection of various hydraulic cylinders (conical bottom valve, self-emptying doors, draghead/intermediate/trunnion/swell compensator/overflow/push ring cylinders). Tasks include ceramic coating of piston rods, renewal of rods, pistons, seals, and barrels (with manufacturing new barrels if necessary), honing, assembly, pressure testing, grit blasting, painting, and bolt/nut installation.
• Valve & Filter Servicing: Maintenance and replacement of dredge valves (900mm, 800mm, 250mm), butterfly valves (200mm–500mm), directional control valves, damper valves, return oil filters, filter elements, and filter gauges.
• Piping & Hoses: Supply and installation of specified stainless steel and carbon steel pipes (e.g., 12x2mm, 16mm, 22x2mm, 25mm, 30x3mm, 42x3mm), flexible hoses (¼", ½", ¾", 1", 1¼", 1.5"), and deck crane multi-spiral hoses with stainless steel fittings, adaptors, dowty washers, flow control valves, and filter components.
• Ancillary Works: Application of protective tape, provision of scaffolding towers or drop staging, and verification/testing of hydraulic sensor signals.
• Administrative Platform: All quotations must be completed exclusively on the TDPS online system. Submission via PDF documents will result in immediate disqualification.

Explanation of specialised terms:

• TDPS: The official online procurement and evaluation portal required for all tender submissions and pricing calculations.
• Swell Compensator Cylinder: A specialised marine hydraulic actuator designed to offset vessel vertical movement (heave) caused by ocean waves, requiring precise calibration and rigorous pressure testing.
• Ceramic Coating: A high-performance, wear-resistant surface treatment applied to piston rods to prevent corrosion and abrasion in harsh marine environments.
• “As and when required”: A flexible call-off contract model where services are mobilised based on real-time operational needs rather than fixed schedules.

Skills Requirements

• Proven expertise in marine and dredging hydraulic systems, with demonstrated capability in full cylinder overhaul and precision machining.
• Competency in applying industrial ceramic coatings, honing hydraulic barrels, and conducting high-pressure hydraulic system testing.
• Ability to manufacture or fabricate replacement hydraulic barrels and accurately install complex valve assemblies and sensor networks.
• Proficiency in marine scaffolding and staging erection, adhering to strict health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Strong supervisory and project coordination skills to manage multidisciplinary repair teams and ensure compliance with quality benchmarks.
• Familiarity with digital procurement platforms (TDPS) for accurate unit-rate quoting, documentation, and electronic submission.