Oceanographic Survey Ship (T-AGS(X)) Designs and Builders

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is seeking information from the maritime industrial base regarding the design and construction of a next-generation oceanographic survey ship, known as the T-AGS(X). The ship will be used for acoustical, biological, physical, and geophysical surveys, and will require a range of capabilities, including dynamic positioning, hydrographic surveys, and mission storage. The Navy is looking for information on existing or production-ready vessel designs that can meet the required parameters, as well as insights into the current capability, capacity, and availability of domestic shipyards to support the delivery of an oceanographic-capable vessel. Some key requirements for the T-AGS(X) include: • Ability to launch, operate, and recover mission equipment in various sea states • Operating environment: classed for unrestricted service, engineered to operate in navigable oceans, including subarctic waters • Hydrographic surveys conducted in depths less than 200 meters • Speed: minimum 15 knots in all headings in seas up to NATO SS4 • Dynamic positioning: ABS DP-2 certification or equivalent • Endurance: capable of 12,000 nautical miles at 12 knots plus 29 days at 3 knots, with a 10% fuel reserve • Draft: less than 30 feet at full load • Acoustic characteristics: reduction of hull-induced flow noise and bubble sweep down • Propulsion: main propulsion system designed with acoustics requirements • Mission facilities: minimum of 3,800 sq ft fantail working deck area, minimum of 1,500 lb/sq ft working deck unit loading • Accommodations: 56 permanent accommodations and 12 transient berths • Mission flexibility: rapid mission payload changes for ship turnarounds and redeployments