The Tuvalu Fisheries Authority (TFA), through the New Zealand-funded Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme Phase 3 (TFSP3), is inviting proposals from suitably qualified and experienced Marine Engineering Companies to provide technical advice and undertake repair and maintenance services for vessels operated by the Authority.
The successful company will be appointed as a preferred supplier for a period of four years, up to the end of 2030. Services will be provided as required through a series of tasking notes.
Scope of Services
The assignment is expected to include:
- Inspection of TFA vessels and identification of defects and safety issues;
- Preparation of costed repair and maintenance workplans;
- Planning and implementation of repair and maintenance programmes;
- Regular advice, mentoring and technical support to the TFA team in Tuvalu;
- Procurement and delivery of spare parts, equipment and supplies;
- Support for the management and organization of the TFA mechanical workshop;
- Training and capacity building for vessel engineers and workshop staff;
- Development and follow-up of planned maintenance schedules; and
- Other related technical assistance required to support the safe and reliable operation of TFA vessels.
Vessels Covered
TFA currently operates two vessels, with two additional vessels in the process of procurement.
The fleet includes Manaui, a 17-metre vessel used for fishing trials, training, FAD deployment and transportation; Manaui II, a 19-metre vessel designed primarily for inter-island transport; Mata’Ala, a 14-metre high-speed aluminium patrol vessel scheduled for delivery to Tuvalu in early 2027; and a 17-metre aluminium exploratory fishing vessel expected to be delivered in early 2028.
Contract Period and Estimated Value
The preferred supplier arrangement will run for four years, up to the end of 2030.
The assignment is expected to include at least two on-site repair visits of up to 2–3 weeks, regular remote technical advice and mentoring, and procurement of equipment and spare parts.
The estimated total contract value is AUD $560,000, subject to adjustment as required.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Interested companies should demonstrate:
- Relevant qualifications and experience in marine engineering and vessel surveying;
- Experience assessing small vessels approximately 14–20 metres in length operating in Pacific Island environments;
- Experience working to Australian or New Zealand safety standards;
- Experience planning and implementing vessel repair and maintenance programmes in remote locations;
- Experience establishing and managing planned maintenance systems for small fleets; and
- Previous experience in Tuvalu will be highly valued.
Submission Requirements
Interested consultants are requested to submit:
- Confirmation of availability to provide services over the four-year period;
- A brief proposal addressing the requirements and proposed methodology;
- Curriculum vitae of the lead consultant and specialists proposed for field visits; and
- A detailed cost estimate covering professional fees, field specialists, project management, procurement and shipping margins, and incidental costs.
Submission Deadline
Proposals must be submitted by email to Project Manager, opetaia.noa@gmail.com, no later than:
5:00 p.m. Tuvalu local time
Friday, 10 October 2026
Questions regarding the consultancy may be sent to michaelb@tuvalufisheries.tv.
Important Notice
This Request for Proposals does not constitute an offer to any consultant contacted. TFA reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to negotiate with any bidder if the original proposal is not acceptable.
For the full Terms of Reference and detailed requirements, please refer to the official Request for Proposals document.