Scope
Description
The British Geological Survey (BGS), acting on behalf of the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD), requires a marine coring capability and suitable vessel to operate in the North Sea Basin, offshore Denmark, for a scientific drilling, coring campaign for a period of 90 days (estimated) between May and September 2026.
This scientific coring project seeks to extend our understanding of Earth's dynamics during the last 50 ice ages and the warmer periods between them. The North Sea Basin is an area that was heavily impacted by these ice age cycles as climate fluctuated between fully glacial to warmer-than-present conditions. The continuous sediment accumulation found in this marine environment should be thought of as a 'tape recorder' that contain an almost complete record of glacial-interglacial episodes, providing insight on Europe's past climate, ecology, and large river systems over the last ~3.3 million years. In this expedition, we aim to collect geological samples to gain insight into the baseline dynamics and thresholds for depositional and ecosystem regime shifts, as well as biodiversity turnover driven by rapid climate changes. This research will help us better understand the environmental responses to modern-day warming.
The project requires a contractor to provide a suitable platform or vessel from which to drill one borehole 1200 metres below the sea floor from a water depth ranging between 28 metres and 60 metres
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-title/5X56S85A5M
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
Total value (estimated)
- 15000000.00 EUR excluding VAT
- 18000000.00 EUR including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 December 2025 to 1 October 2026
- 10 months, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 76320000 - Offshore drilling services
- 76340000 - Core drilling
Contract locations
- DK - Denmark
- NL - Netherlands
Engagement
Engagement deadline
1 July 2025
Engagement process description
UKRI are seeking to engage with interested contractors prior to going to market, Contractors are encouraged to express their interest in the opportunity via the Delta esourcing portal. Following an expression of interest, contractors may be invited to further engagement activities to be completed in April and May 2025.
To express interest in this opportunity, please go to: https://ukri.delta-esourcing.com/respond/5X56S85A5M
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
7 July 2025
Contracting authority
UK Research & Innovation
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government