P&O Maritime Services Pty Ltd has decided to pull back from the Australian Government’s procurement process for a new icebreaker.
The company formally notified Australian Department of the Environment that it was withdrawing from the process in late December 2014.
The reason behind the withdrawal remained undisclosed.
“Due to the commercial sensitivity surrounding P&O Maritime’s decision to withdraw the Department is unable to comment further. The Department thanks P&O Maritime Services Pty Ltd for its participation over the past two years in this two-stage procurement process, ” the Department said in a release.
The Department said it was working with the remaining pre-qualified bidder, DMS Maritime, to ensure that it delivers a cost effective and capable solution for the government’s consideration.
“Immediately following the RFT closing date, a comprehensive evaluation process will commence. This will determine whether the DMS Maritime proposal represents appropriate value for money. The Australian Government expects to make a final decision on the new icebreaker in late 2015, ” the release read.
The anticipated delivery date of the new icebreaker remains scheduled for the mid-2019, when it is intended that the new ship will be ready to commence commissioning trials and operations for the Australian Antarctic programme.
The new icebreaker will be based in Hobart.
The procurement process for the new icebreaker to replace the ageing Aurora Australis commenced in January 2013, with the release of a Request for Proposal to the open market.
All Australian and international ship builders were able to participate in the request.
Image: Australian Govt/Bill.DeB