Pelagic Trawler Vessel for IESNS International Herring and Blue Whiting Survey

Cefas seeks to contract a pelagic trawler vessel (50+ metres LOA) equipped with scientific acoustic equipment (38 and 200 kHz split-beam echosounders) to participate in the IESNS (International Ecosystem Survey in the Nordic Sea), a collaborative international research initiative. The vessel will conduct a 13-day acoustic-trawl survey between April-May 2027 in the Nordic Sea (north of Scotland) to map herring and blue whiting populations, collect biological samples through directed trawling, and gather hydrographic and plankton data. The vessel must accommodate 6-8 scientists, have mid-water trawling capability targeting herring and blue whiting, freezing facilities (2.5+ cubic metres), and dedicated safe working spaces for scientific operations. The initial contract runs 12 months (April 2027 - March 2028) with a value of £400,000 per annum, with optional extensions for up to 2 additional years subject to annual funding confirmation. Bidders must meet specific vessel assurance standards, hold comprehensive insurance coverage (including £5m liability and Protection & Indemnity), possess a valid CMID certificate, and demonstrate strong health and safety practices for protecting scientific personnel at sea.