AwardedAwarded 7 May 2026

UKRI-4667 NERC Research Vessels Refit, Upgrade and Maintenance Services

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) · Central government

In brief

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) awarded this contract to Orskov Yard A/S on 7 May 2026.

It is a framework worth up to £9,000,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 2 years, up to 4 years with extensions, starting 1 April 2026.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

What the notice says

UKRI wishes to establish a Framework Agreement for the provision of refit, upgrade and maintenance services for the RRS Sir David Attenborough. The Framework Agreement (Agreement) will be awarded to a single Supplier for a period of two years with an extension option of up to two years (2+1+1). The Supplier will also be able to provide global support should emergency repairs/dockings be required to be undertaken outside of scheduled maintenance periods. The Agreement will: • ensure vessels are maintained to the standards required by UKRI. • ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with Flag State and Classification Society requirements. • provide continuity in maintenance standards and utilise one organisation that will gain experience and knowledge of the RRS Sir David Attenborough • cover the global footprint of operations for RRS Sir David Attenborough

Who won

WinnerValueDates
Orskov Yard A/S
3 bids received
£9,000,000
Awarded 17 April 2026
8 May 2026 to 30 April 2028

Values as the award notice gives them, excluding VAT where stated.

Timeline

  1. Tender notice · UK4, notice 079820-2025
  2. Contract award notice · UK6, notice 035760-2026
  3. Contract award notice · UK6, notice 037071-2026
  4. Contract details notice · UK7, notice 042332-2026

About the buyer

From notice 079820-2025 on Find a Tender, first published 4 December 2025, last updated 8 May 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.