NOAA Requests Proposals for Design and Construction of New Ocean Survey Ships

On May 19, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration announced it is seeking proposals from U.S. shipbuilders to design and construct new ships for coastal, continental shelf, and deep ocean data collection requirements. The solicitation closes on Aug. 16 and is for a strict, fixed-price contract for two vessels, with options for NOAA to purchase two additional vessels of the same design. The successful bidder will be responsible for designing and building the new ships. “NOAA ships play a vital role in supporting safe navigation, commerce, marine resource management, and ocean exploration,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad in the May 19 press release. The new ships must have the capability to carry, deploy, and recover multiple crewed and uncrewed vessels to support nautical charting and seafloor survey missions. They must also accommodate 48 people, consisting of commissioned officers, professional civilian crew members, scientists, and other personnel. In addition, NOAA has set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions for its ship fleet by 2050. Therefore, the new ships must incorporate the latest technologies, including high-efficiency, environmentally friendly EPA Tier IV diesel engines and emissions controls. NOAA anticipates awarding the contract for this acquisition in 2023 and taking delivery of the first two vessels by 2027. The...