Navigation Risk Assessment – Proposed Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve – Cahiracon Point – Shannon Estuary

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

This procurement seeks a Navigational Risk Assessment (NRA) for a proposed Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER) at Cahiracon Point, Shannon Estuary. The assessment's objective is to identify, quantify, and mitigate marine navigational risks associated with the SGER to ensure the safety of commercial shipping, recreational users, and the environment. It must consider the impact on existing port users, including terminals at Aughinish, Shannon Airport, and Limerick.

The scope of work encompasses the entire operational transit, from vessel arrival at port limits, transit to the berth, downstream transit, and clearing port limits seaward.

Key activities and deliverables include:

• Baseline Assessment: Review of the existing marine environment, including:
• Hydrography and bathymetry.
• Meteorological and oceanographic data (tides, currents, prevailing wind, wave).
• Vessel Traffic Analysis: Mapping of existing shipping lanes, vessel density, swept paths, and vessel types using available information sources, including AIS.
• Hazard Identification (HAZID): Comprehensive hazard review from the outer estuary approaches to the berth.
• Risk Evaluation: Assessment of identified hazards based on frequency and severity.
• Emergency Response: Evaluation of current capabilities and proposal of suitable mitigations.
• Regulatory and Compliance Standards: Alignment with National and International legislation and guidelines from industry bodies such as IMO, IALA, SIGTTO, and PIANC.
• Deliverables:
• A comprehensive Executive Summary, to be issued within 6 weeks of the NRA commencement.
• A Draft Navigational Risk Assessment for review and comment.
• A Final NRA Report, including recommendations for control measures and mitigations, and highlighting known gaps for future review.
• Consultation Requirements: The NRA is commissioned in advance of final detailed design for the jetty and with some uncertainty regarding the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU), tug fleet composition, and ship call frequency. The NRA may require adjustment once operational details are known. Consultation with stakeholders, including Statutory Bodies like the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) and Marine Survey Office (MSO), is intended at a later stage.
• Timelines for Delivery:
• Executive Summary: Not more than 6 weeks from NRA commencement.
• Final Report: Not more than 4 weeks subsequent to the receipt of the Summary Report.

3. Background & buyer context

Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) is the Contracting Entity. SFPC is a Commercial Semi-State company with statutory jurisdiction over marine activities in a 500km² area of the Shannon Estuary. Formed in 2000 from the merger of Shannon Estuary Port and Foynes Port, it operates under the Harbours Act 1996 with a commercial remit and state ownership. SFPC is designated a "Core" Port within the TEN-T Guidelines and a Tier 1 Port in the National Ports Policy (March 2013). It handles large vessels and provides navigation control, marine safety, warehousing, logistics, and cargo handling services.

In Q3 2025, Cahiracon Point, Co. Clare, was selected as the preferred site for a proposed National Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER). This SGER involves constructing a new berth for importing and storing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) on a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). As the Statutory Port Authority, SFPC is procuring this Navigational Risk Assessment to address the safety and navigational implications of the proposed SGER.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for the contract:

• Turnover requirement:
• Minimum average annual turnover of €200,000 per annum over the last three years. Evidence must be provided. If 2025 figures are unavailable, 2024, 2023, and 2022 accounts should be used.
• Insurance:
• Public and Excess Liability: €6.5 million.
• Employer’s Liability: €13 million.
• Professional Indemnity: €2 million.
• A statement from insurers confirming current minimum levels or confirmation that requisite forms and levels will be in place if successful is required.
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender.
• Tax Clearance: Tenderers must provide their current Tax Clearance Certificate or access information. SFPC can verify tax status online via Revenue.ie.

5. Award criteria & scoring

The contract will be awarded based on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), determined by a combination of price and quality.

There is a minimum scoring threshold per criterion or overall, which is not specified in the provided text.

6. Submission requirements

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the eTenders portal by the specified deadline.

• Method statement / response document: Not specified by name, but bidders must complete all sections of the selection criteria and provide declarations. Appendix B outlines a "Breakdown of Proposal".
• CVs: Not specified.
• Pricing schedule: Pricing information must only be included in the Form of Tender (Appendix A).
• Case studies: Not specified.
• Declarations:
• Declaration of Eligibility (Section 4.2.2).
• Self-Declaration Form for Financial Information (including Turnover, Insurance, and Tax Clearance).
• Bona Fide Declaration.
• Mandatory site visit: Not specified.
• Submission portal: Tenders must be submitted via eTenders.ie. The maximum allowed size for all attached files is 100MB. Bidders must click "Submit Response" and can modify/resend until the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.

7. Key dates & process

8. Contract terms that matter

• Term + extension: Not specified.
• Payment terms: Payments are subject to Irish Professional Services Withholding Tax (currently 20%). The Contracting Entity operates in accordance with the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2012. Payment is normally via Electronic Funds Transfer.
• Key SLAs/KPIs: Not specified.
• Liquidated damages or penalty regimes: Not specified.
• Termination clauses: The Contracting Entity reserves the right to terminate the tender process at any time without liability.
• IP ownership: The Contracting Entity will hold copyright ownership of material developed for its use. The Contractor may have a non-exclusive, royalty-free license for its own purposes, to be agreed.
• Sub-contracting rules: Tenderers may propose sub-contractors.
• Parent-company guarantee or bond requirements: Not specified.

9. Risks, red flags & unusuals

• Turnover requirement: The €200,000 annual turnover requirement over three years is relatively low compared to the potential complexity of a navigational risk assessment for a strategic infrastructure project. This might suggest a desire to encourage smaller specialist firms, or it could be an oversight.
• Uncertainty in scope: The RFT explicitly states uncertainty regarding the final design of the jetty, the FSRU, tug fleet, and ship call frequency. This implies the NRA may need adjustment post-award, potentially leading to scope creep or additional costs if not managed contractually.
• Limited detail on award criteria: The weighting for price and quality is not specified, making it difficult for bidders to gauge the relative importance of technical proposals versus cost.
• Copyright ownership: The Contracting Entity retaining copyright ownership of developed material, with the contractor receiving a limited license, is a point for bidders to consider regarding their intellectual property.
• No specified contract length or value: The absence of a defined contract duration or estimated value makes it challenging to assess the scale and potential profitability of the engagement.

10. SME fit assessment

This tender appears open to a range of specialist firms, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

• Who can credibly bid: A firm with demonstrable expertise in marine navigational risk assessment, hydrography, vessel traffic analysis, and hazard identification would be a credible bidder. The relatively low turnover requirement (€200,000 per annum over three years) suggests that smaller, specialist consultancies are encouraged. Firms with experience in port operations, maritime safety, and regulatory compliance, particularly within the EU/Ireland, would be well-positioned.
• Consortium or sub-contracting: Consortiums are permitted, and a "Principal Contractor" can propose "Sub-Contractors." This allows for firms to combine expertise or for larger firms to engage specialist SMEs.
• Indicative bid-prep effort: Given the need to address technical scope, provide financial standing, insurance details, and complete specific declarations, bid preparation could require 5-10 days of focused effort for an experienced firm. This includes understanding the scope, developing a technical approach, and compiling all required documentation.
• Pwin signal: The tender does not explicitly mention an incumbent or provide details on past winners. The open procedure and the specific nature of the assessment suggest it is a competitive process. The primary "Pwin" signal is the clear definition of the required expertise and the relatively accessible financial entry barriers.

11. Where to dig deeper

• Source RFT filename: RFT for Navigational Risk Assessment.docx
• eTenders CFT ID: 8680502
• Contact email or clarification portal: Queries via the eTenders portal only.
• Most important attachments:
• Appendix A - Form of Tender
• Appendix B Breakdown of Proposal
• Self-Declaration Form for Financial Information