Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a suitable independent service provider(s) to manage the fleet of four (4) fisheries protection vessels and two (2) research vessels for a period of five (5) years. This management aims to support the Marine Living Resources Fund (MLRF) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in fulfilling their mandate for the proper management and protection of South Africa’s marine living resources.

Scope

The scope encompasses comprehensive management of the vessels, including:

• Operational management of two research vessels (Africana and Ellen Khuzwayo) and four protection vessels (Sarah Baartman, Lilian Ngoyi, Ruth First, Victoria Mxenge).
• Ensuring vessels are fully operational, compliant with safety and class society standards, and insured at all times.
• Conducting scheduled surveys and patrols, including routine and emergency maintenance.
• Provision of berthing, scientific equipment maintenance, and small craft management.
• Handling seized or arrested vessels and their crews appropriately.
• Managing vessel maintenance, repairs, and refits in line with statutory and manufacturer standards.
• Ensuring vessels are equipped with necessary surveillance, scientific, and safety systems.
• Providing qualified crew, including specialised skills such as fishing masters, where required.
• Managing procurement, insurance, and financial aspects related to vessel operations.
• Supporting vessel operations across various regions, including the EEZ, SADC region, Southern Ocean, and Antarctica, with voyages varying in duration and complexity.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Management of vessels in accordance with SAMSA, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, Class Society regulations, and relevant government policies.
• Implementation of security, confidentiality, and information security protocols for all vessel operations and data.
• Provision of qualified crew adhering to SAMSA manning standards, including specialised personnel for scientific and patrol activities.
• Maintenance of vessels and scientific equipment per manufacturer and statutory standards, including regular surveys and refits.
• Operational management of vessel voyages, including planning, safety, and compliance with voyage schedules and scientific activities.
• Provision of emergency and contingency management, including vessel seizure or arrest scenarios.
• Management of vessel logistics, berthing, and port operations in South Africa and abroad.
• Provision of security vetting, confidentiality agreements, and adherence to security protocols for all personnel.

Skills Requirements

The successful service provider(s) must demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in managing large vessels (>30m LOA), including research and patrol ships, with proven compliance with IMO standards.
• Demonstrated capability in managing vessels in accordance with international safety, environmental, and classification standards.
• Strong financial capacity, evidenced by adequate working capital or access to debt exceeding R20 million.
• Experience in managing vessels registered with international class societies and recognized vessel management agencies.
• Knowledge of South African maritime regulations, safety standards, and security protocols.
• Proven ability to manage vessel maintenance, repairs, and refits efficiently and in compliance with statutory requirements.
• Capacity to provide qualified and experienced crew, including specialised personnel such as fishing masters and scientific staff.
• Ability to implement strict confidentiality, security vetting, and information security measures.
• Experience in managing vessel operations in sensitive and classified environments, including joint and joint-law enforcement operations.
• Strong logistical, procurement, and financial management skills to ensure continuous vessel availability and operational readiness.