Canada issues RFP for SAR lifeboats

NOVEMBER 26, 2014 — The Canadian Government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the procurement of search and rescue lifeboats as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.

Designed by Robert Allan Ltd, the new shore-based self-righting lifeboats will replace the Canadian Coast Guard’s existing Arun-type vessels, which have an average age of 18 years. They will be capable of operations up to 100 nautical miles from shore.
    
According to the RFP, the government has a requirement to procure seven of the SAR lifeboats as a base requirement, with a provision for a bid option for up to an additional three lifeboats.

Vessel Dimensions
Length Overall:19.0 m
Length DWL: 17.5 m
Beam, molded 6.3 m
Depth, molded, at midship 2.58 m
Hull draft, nominal:1.67 m
Propulsion Power, nominal :2 x 1,200 kW
Displacement Loaded, nominal: 62.5 tonnes
Displacement Lightship, nominal: 53.6 tonnes

This competitive opportunity will be open to all Canadian shipyards with the exception of the two selected under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy to build the large vessels.

“This Request for Proposal is the first in a series of small vessel procurements planned under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. These procurements will provide opportunities for Canadian shipyards and for the broader marine industry,” said Diane Finley, Canada’s Minister of Public Works and Government Services.