Design, build, commissioning and delivery of a new pilot boat and launch for Transnet National Ports Authority at the Port of Durban, within 24 months under an NEC3 priced contract. Bidders must hold a valid ISO 9001:2015 certificate in ship repair or ship construction. Closes 27 November 2026.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is seeking a contractor to design, build, assemble, paint, commission, deliver and operationalise a pilot boat and a launch for the Port of Durban. The vessels will replace ageing craft that have reached the end of their useful life. The Employer aims to modernise its pilotage and launch fleet to improve reliability, availability, fuel efficiency and compliance with current environmental and safety standards. The contract is a priced NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) with an activity schedule, and the works must be completed within 24 months of the contract start date. The tender documents indicate that TNPA may award the contract for only one of the two craft, so bidders should check the scope carefully.
The contractor is responsible for the full design solution and its integration with the Employer's requirements, including hull, deck and superstructure, accommodation, main and auxiliary engine room machinery, propulsion, electrical systems, communications and navigation, firefighting, piping and paintwork, and air conditioning and ventilation. Works must comply with IMO requirements, SOLAS, MARPOL Annex VI, COLREGS, and SAMSA regulations, and must be built to the standards of a recognised classification society. Commissioning includes factory and harbour acceptance testing, sea trials, operator training for at least five crew members per vessel, and delivery of manuals, as-built drawings and certification. A 52-week defects liability period applies after completion, and the contractor must maintain the vessels for 12 months after commissioning. Delivery is on a DDP basis to Berth A at the Port of Durban.
The tender is subject to a functionality threshold of 70 out of 100 points. Functionality is scored on previous shipbuilding or ship repair experience (35 points), CVs of key personnel including a registered naval architect or equivalent (25 points), a method statement (20 points), a programme (10 points), and quality management (10 points). Price and B-BBEE are scored on a 90/10 basis because the estimated value exceeds R50 million. Mandatory requirements include a performance bond of 10% of the contract price, a 10% advance payment guarantee, an insurance programme covering marine craft hull, Protection and Indemnity cover of at least R20 million, and a material obligation to subcontract at least 30% of contract value to EME or QSE black-owned South African companies. The contract also includes job-creation commitments and National Industrial Participation (NIPP) requirements, as the imported content is expected to be significant. Delay damages are set at R23,125 per day. Bids are submitted electronically through the Transnet Digital Procurement System by 16:00 on 27 November 2026, and a compulsory briefing was held on 13 November 2026.
Shipyards and vessel builders with ISO 9001:2015 certification in ship construction or ship repair, and a track record of completing comparable vessels (four or more references scores highest). Marine engineering firms, naval architecture consultancies and classification-compliant design houses may suit as lead bidders or consortium partners. Joint ventures are permitted, and each party must supply its own compliance documents. Suppliers of marine equipment (engines, propulsion, navigation, firefighting, electrical systems) may be suitable as subcontractors, especially EME or QSE black-owned businesses, since the contract requires at least 30% subcontracting to these companies. B-BBEE Level 1 or 2 contributors gain preference points. Businesses without shipbuilding experience or ISO 9001:2015 certification in this field are not eligible to bid, and those unable to meet the 24-month timeline or the 10% performance bond requirement should not apply.
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