CanadaBuys #30007803

DFO seeks global-class research vessel charter for Atlantic scientific surveys, Fall 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is seeking a contractor to provide a global-class, deep-sea research vessel charter with crew and scientific personnel for advanced oceanographic and ecosystemic surveys in Canadian Atlantic waters. - Government Buyer: - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Ecosystem and Oceans Science Sector - Science at Sea program, Procurement Services - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vessel brands are named; the requirement is for a vessel and associated services meeting technical specifications - Products/Services Requested: - Charter of a global-class offshore oceanographic research vessel (minimum 2,500 GT, 75m length, 15m beam, 5.5m draft) - Vessel must have endurance for 25 continuous days at sea and accommodate at least 24 scientific personnel - Specialized scientific equipment required, including: - Seabird Electronics SBE 911Plus CTD system - Plankton nets - Mooring winch - Marine crane - Hull-mounted sub-bottom profiler and multibeam echosounder - Laboratory and storage spaces - Provision of qualified captain, crew, scientific technicians, mission planning, technical support, data management, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Vessel must be capable of far offshore (>200 nautical miles) operations - Support for the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP) and other scientific research - Estimated mission duration up to 42 days, with optional additional work up to 40 days - Contract includes mobilization, operation, and demobilization of scientific equipment and personnel

Description

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) requires a contractor to provide a global-class, deep-sea research vessel with crew and scientific personnel for Fall 2026. The vessel will support oceanographic surveys and scientific research across Canadian Atlantic waters, including work under the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program (AZMP). This contract addresses a gap in Canadian research vessel capacity following the retirement of the CCGS Hudson and will last until a new vessel becomes operational. The estimated contract duration is 7 months, starting approximately on August 4, 2026, with an option to extend for up to one additional year under the same conditions.

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