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.
Contract 1. Autonomous Underwater Research Vehicle
Supplier
Contract value
- £605,095 excluding VAT
- £725,622 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
3 October 2025
Contract dates
- 6 October 2025 to 31 December 2026
- 1 year, 2 months, 26 days
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 34513550 - Survey vessels
- 38296000 - Surveying instruments
Contract locations
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Key performance indicators
| Name | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|
| Timely Delivery | 6 months |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Prototypes and development
Against the criteria set out in Market Conditions, only one supplier is able to offer something that meet all requirements, technologically and financially. In addition to this, there are numerous developments and prototyping which must take place to make the existing units fit for the research purpose, in the number required, and within the budget given by UKRI-NERC. These prototypes must at minimum be Antarctic sea-floor environment accessible, and form part of a low-cost, low-logistics deep water AUV swarm.
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 Vehicle
Contracting authority
Cardiff University
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVT-4343-HWYR
Procurement Services
Cardiff
CF24 4HQ
United Kingdom
Email: rower4@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