ONGC Invites Bids for Offshore Vessel Operations

Interested bidders can submit proposals for either one or both vessels for a one-year contract, with a submission deadline of December 16. The selected operator will need to mobilise marine and diving crews in compliance with the contract's scope and conditions. Necessary clearances from Port, Customs, DG Shipping, and the Ministry of Home Affairs must be secured, and operations must commence within 30 days of the notification of award (NOA) or the expiration of the current O&M contract, whichever comes later.

The current contracts for Samudra Sevak and Samudra Prabha expire on March 20 and April 29, 2025, respectively. Samudra Sevak, a multipurpose supply vessel, and Samudra Prabha, a diving support vessel, play crucial roles in ONGC's offshore oil and gas exploration activities.

As per the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) norms introduced in February 2023, these vessels can operate until February 24, 2026. However, if an extension is not granted under these regulations, ONGC reserves the right to terminate the contract by February 24, 2026, without incurring additional costs or obligations, as stated in the tender documents.

This move reflects ONGC’s efforts to maintain robust offshore operations while adhering to regulatory requirements. (ET)