Passenger Transfer Vessels (PTV's) Lease

Overview The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is seeking to establish a peppercorn lease arrangement for three Commonwealth-owned Norfolk Island Passenger Transfer Vessels (PTVs), associated cradles, trailers and supporting equipment with a suitably qualified and experienced marine operator. The arrangement will also include a separate licence agreement allowing the successful operator to occupy Commonwealth land for storage of the PTVs and their associated cradles and trailers under a peppercorn licence fee arrangement. The Department requires the provision of a suitably qualified and experienced charterer to lease, maintain and operate the three Commonwealth-owned PTVs and associated cradles, trailers and spare parts under a peppercorn lease arrangement. The successful Tenderer will enter into a Demise Charter Party (Agreement) under which full possession, control and operational responsibility of the leased assets transfers to the successful Tenderer for the term of the Agreement, including responsibility for support and maintenance of the PTVs at its own cost. The successful Tenderer will also enter into a Licence Agreement allowing occupation of Commonwealth land to store the PTVs and associated cradles and trailers under a peppercorn licence fee arrangement. About The PTVs were purchased in 2019 to support the emerging cruise industry on Norfolk Island. They were specifically designed to enable the safe transfer of cruise ship passengers from anchorage to shore in the absence of a deep-water port or cruise ship berth. Scope The Department will retain ownership of all leased assets, which will be made available to the successful Tenderer as lessee under an AUD $1.00 peppercorn lease arrangement. The successful Tenderer as lessee will bear all costs, liabilities and risks associated with the ongoing use, maintenance, storage, compliance, insurance and serviceability of the leased assets. Leased Assets 3 x PTVs 3 x Cradles (pairs) 2 x Trailers (and associated handling and lifting equipment) Department Supplied Items: Spare Parts (as listed in Schedule 3 to the Agreement) Scope of Services, Vessel Operations The scope includes: Provision, in accordance with all relevant laws, of safe, reliable passenger transfer services between cruise ships and shore on Norfolk Island Operational planning and coordination with cruise ship operators Assessment of weather and sea conditions to determine operational safety Crew management, training and certification in accordance with maritime requirements Passenger safety management during embarkation, transfer and disembarkation Emergency and contingency response capability Operation and use, in accordance with all relevant laws, of the crane facilities at Cascade Port, including obtaining access, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and complying with all operational requirements The remaining scope covers asset maintenance and survey compliance, insurance (hull and machinery, P&I, wreck removal and oil pollution), risk management, storage, monthly and annual reporting, and handover at the end of the term. Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial model: The Supplier is entitled to all revenue generated from operation of the PTVs during the term of the Agreement, including from tours and private charters. The vessels must also be available for all visiting cruise ships and for Commonwealth-requested operations, such as emergency management, rescue or recovery Term: Three (3) years, with two (2) option periods of up to a further three (3) years each, to be exercised at the discretion of the Supplier Timeframe for Delivery: Thursday, 10 December 2026 to Monday, 10 December 2029 Eligibility Conditions for Participation: The Tender must be submitted by the Closing Time in accordance with Part B1 (see clause 1.11.1 of Part B1) The Tenderer must exist as a single legal entity at the Closing Time in accordance with Part B1 (see clause 3.4.1 of Part B1) The Tenderer must demonstrate they hold, or can obtain prior to contract commencement, all certifications and approvals required by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and any applicable legislation (see clause 4.3 of Part A2) Tender Briefing Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026 Format: On site or virtual briefing Time: To be arranged Instructions to Tenderers Address for Lodgement: Electronic lodgement only should be made by accessing the AusTender system at https://www.tenders.gov.au. Enquiries Christan Davies: NI-Team@infrastructure.gov.au