State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) has announced a tender inviting private entities to submit bids for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of two of its offshore vessels—Samudra Sevak and Samudra Prabha. Interested bidders can apply for one or both vessels for a one-year contract, with the deadline set for 16th December.
The winning bidder will be responsible for mobilizing marine and diving crew, ensuring full compliance with the scope of work, and securing necessary clearances from authorities such as Port, Customs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Work must commence within 30 days of the award notification, including a 10-day handover period.
The current contracts for both vessels are scheduled to end in 2025, with Samudra Sevak’s contract concluding on 20th March, and Samudra Prabha’s on 29th April. Both vessels support ONGC’s offshore oil and gas operations. Under new guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) in February 2023, the vessels are allowed to operate until 24th February 2026, regardless of age, provided they meet the qualitative norms. If no extension is granted by DG Shipping, ONGC reserves the right to end the contract on this date, without any extra cost or time implications for the corporation. This tender presents a significant opportunity for marine contractors in the offshore oil and gas sector to participate in a vital operation that supports ONGC’s extensive drilling activities along India’s coastline.
