Scope
Description
This project proposes to enhance UK capabilities for polar sea-bed survey, specifically filling an important gap in assets currently occupied by costly infrastructure and resource-heavy robotic systems. Our vision is to make Cardiff a hub for a low-logistics, deep-water autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) swarm for Antarctic marine exploration.
Contract 1. Autonomous Underwater Research Vehicles
Supplier
Contract value
- £605,094 excluding VAT
- £725,622 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
16 September 2025
Standstill period
- End: 29 September 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
1 October 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 October 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 5 months, 30 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 34513550 - Survey vessels
- 38296000 - Surveying instruments
Contract locations
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Supplier
Planet Ocean Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBMT-3252-TZBN
Unit 16, Camberley Business Centre
Bracebridge, Camberley
GU15 3DP
United Kingdom
Email: sales@ecosub.uk
Region: UKJ25 - West Surrey
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Autonomous Underwater Research Vehicles
Contracting authority
Cardiff University
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVT-4343-HWYR
Procurement Services
Cardiff
CF24 4HQ
United Kingdom
Email: Procurement@cardiff.ac.uk
Website: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/business/why-work-with-us/for-suppliers
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales