Iraq needs two new OSVs urgently

An urgent tender to build two new OSVs for the Government of Iraq has been released by the US Navy as part of Iraq?s future procurement programme.

The US Navy is calling for an accelerated delivery schedule for the newbuild vessel and has specifically said that it would not consider converting existing vessels. The first OSV must be delivered by July 2011, and the second must be delivered by November 2011.

The US Navy said that it would not be involved with any discussions between Iraq and any shipyards interested in the tender. However it stipulated that all discussions between the builder and Government of Iraq would be non-binding and would not obligate the US Government to enter into any contract.

The tender calls for a steel monohull design based on an ABS unrestricted service under ABS? Steel Vessels Under 90M Rules, A1, circle E, AMS and DPS-2.

Over all hull length should be over 55 m but less than 65 m. The speed should reach a maximum of 16 knots fully loaded and two or three marine diesel engines are expected to drive the vessels.