Shipyard Detailed Design and Build Contract “Freight Flex” Ro-Pax Vessels
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (Utility)Estimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
Not specified
Published
8 June 2026
Type
goods
Overview
CMAL wish to appoint a sole supplier in respect of Shipyard Detailed Design and Build Contract for two (2) “Freight Flex” RoPax Vessels The contract will be for the detailed design and build for two (2) passenger and freight vessels to operate on the Northern Isles Ferry Service routes.
AI Analysis
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Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) wants to hire one shipyard to design and build two passenger and freight vessels (called 'Freight Flex' RoPax ships) for ferry routes serving the Northern Isles. This is a sole supplier contract, meaning they plan to appoint just one builder for the complete job.
Requirements
- Shipyard must have proven experience designing and building RoPax vessels (roll-on/roll-off passenger ships)
- Capability to deliver two vessels to the same design specification
- Ability to meet Northern Isles Ferry Service operational requirements and routes
- Compliance with UK/international maritime safety and design standards
- Capacity to deliver detailed design phase followed by full construction
- Check full tender documents for: financial stability requirements, insurance requirements, quality management systems (likely ISO certifications), environmental compliance standards, and timeline/schedule commitments
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Produce detailed design specifications for two identical RoPax vessels suitable for Northern Isles routes
- Build two complete passenger and freight ferry vessels to approved designs
- Manage the transition from design phase through to vessel construction and delivery
- Ensure vessels meet passenger capacity and cargo (freight vehicle) requirements for the specified routes
- Supply vessels ready for operational deployment on ferry services
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a 'sole supplier' contract — CMAL has decided they want one builder only, so competition is limited. Understand why: it could save costs through single design, streamline project management, or reflect the specialist nature of RoPax shipbuilding.
- 2RoPax vessels are complex: they carry both passengers and drive-on freight vehicles. The design must balance stability, capacity, comfort, and durability for harsh sea conditions. Check technical specifications in detail documents.
- 3Detailed design phase comes first, then build — these are sequential, so timelines and approval gates matter enormously. Any design delays cascade into the build schedule.
- 4Northern Isles routes (Orkney and Shetland) have specific environmental and operational constraints: weather exposure, route distances, port infrastructure limits. The vessels must be purpose-designed for these conditions.
- 5This is likely a high-value, long-duration contract. Look for payment schedules tied to design milestones and build phases, not a single lump sum. Financing and cash flow are critical.
Tips for Small Businesses
- Unless you are an established shipyard with RoPax experience, subcontracting or consortium partnership is your only realistic route — consider teaming with a lead shipbuilder who has the track record, and you supply specialist components (propulsion, electrical systems, interior fit-out, etc.).
- Social value scoring may apply even though this is a 'sole supplier' appointment — emphasize local employment in Scotland, apprenticeship schemes, supply chain development in maritime sectors, or environmental innovations in ship design.
- Payment and cash flow: shipbuilding contracts typically run 3–5+ years with stage payments at design completion, keel laying, hull launch, and final delivery. Confirm your working capital can sustain this — do not assume upfront payment for design work.
Award Details
Guangzhou Shipyard International Co., Ltd.
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Buyer Profile
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (Utility)Key Dates
Published
8 June 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
award
Source
find a tender
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