Objectives

Verify the current condition, regulatory compliance, and remaining service life of the Tanker Berth fire protection system. Identify and resolve critical operational deficiencies, including simultaneous monitor actuation, extended pre-priming delays, and recurring solenoid failures. Deliver a comprehensive engineering documentation package to ensure system integrity, long-term operational readiness, and informed decision-making for future repairs or upgrades.

Scope of Services

Execute a full condition assessment of the seawater and foam firefighting system installed in 2015/16 at the Port of East London. The scope encompasses detailed field inspections, non-destructive testing, hydraulic and foam performance trials, electrical/control system evaluation, and protective coating assessments. The consultant must supply all labour, equipment, and tools required to complete the works within five months under an NEC3 contract framework. Deliverables include updated as-built CAD drawings, a condition assessment report, repair methodologies, a CESMM-aligned Bill of Quantities, surface protection specifications, a five-year maintenance plan, and a Class 3 cost estimate.

Technical Requirements

• Documentation: Version-controlled PDF and DWG as-built drawings covering P&IDs, general arrangements, piping isometrics, equipment layouts, and electrical schematics, incorporating colour-coded condition mark-ups.
• Inspection & Testing: External and internal visual inspections, ultrasonic thickness testing (minimum three readings per metre), ISO 9712 Level II NDT (MPI, DPI, radiographic weld testing, hardness), functional valve cycling, and corrosion mapping.
• Hydraulic & Foam Trials: Water and fluorine-free foam flow testing to verify nozzle pressure, throw distance (≥90% manufacturer rating), spray pattern, expansion ratio, drainage time, and induction accuracy (±1% of 3%).
• Electrical & Controls Redesign: Modify deluge valve trim and control logic to enable independent monitor operation, implement rapid priming (<5 minutes), mitigate water hammer, and ensure hazardous area compliance (SANS/IEC 60079).
• Materials & Coatings: Specify repair procedures, material grades (ASME/AWS), and protective coatings meeting ISO 12944-5 C5-M marine standards with rigorous QA/QC (holiday testing, adhesion, dry film thickness).
• Standards Compliance: Strict adherence to NFPA 11/16/20/24/25/30/307, EN 1568-3, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1312, ASME B31.3, SANS 10108, and applicable South African legislation.

Skills & Personnel Requirements

• Qualified mechanical, electrical, and fire protection engineers with port/terminal infrastructure experience.
• ISO 9712 Level II certified NDT technicians and hydraulic modelling experts.
• CAD specialists proficient in developing version-controlled as-built drawings.
• Project managers experienced in NEC3 contract administration and compensation event management.
• All personnel must complete TNPA safety inductions, hold valid hazardous area equipment certifications, and comply with strict PPE and site access protocols. Subcontractors must be formally disclosed and bound by identical H&S and quality standards.

Key Technical & Contractual Notes

• Fluorine-Free Foam (FFF): A synthetic, PFAS-free foam concentrate mandated to replace traditional AFFF. Must satisfy stringent environmental regulations (EU REACH), performance benchmarks (NFPA 11, EN 1568-3), and marine certifications (MED/3.58, IMO) while maintaining viscosity compatibility with existing pumps and monitors.
• NEC3 Contract: A collaborative project management framework originating from the UK, emphasising early risk identification, shared responsibility, transparent programme tracking, and structured compensation events for scope variations.
• Rapid Priming & Independent Actuation: Critical design modifications required to eliminate a 35-minute pre-fill delay and prevent all monitors from activating simultaneously. Ensures targeted fire response without damaging pressure surges or compromising system integrity.
• CESMM Alignment: The Bill of Quantities must follow the Civil Engineering Schedule of Measurements, providing a standardized method for measuring and pricing mechanical and electrical repair works.