Long-Term Charter (Coastal Freighter) Vessel for Transportation of Passengers and Cargo between Ports of Liberia and Freetown, Sierra-Leone, in support of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)

The United Nations is seeking a Long-Term Charter vessel for passenger and cargo movements between ports in Liberia (i.e. Monrovia, Harper, Greenville and Buchanan) as well as between these Liberian ports and Freetown, Sierra-Leone in support of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL); and a secondary requirement for passenger and cargo movements along the West African coast in support of deployed forces (i.e. Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo and Cameroon) and the United Nations Mission in the Ivory Coast (ONUCI). The services to be provided shall include, but not be limited to: • transportation of personnel and transportation of fuel in bulk ; • movement of supplies, UN owned equipment, contingent-owned equipment, medical equipment and supplies, rations, water, dangerous cargo (including ammunition where applicable), etc; and • emergency evaculation of UN personnel, if required. The vessel sought shall have a minimum speed of 10 knots; ability to accommodate up to 200 passengers on or below deck (cargo area reconfigured if necessary); and ability to accommodate up to ten personnel (berthing required); with 100% functional climate control (air conditioning) and sufficient & suitable bathrooms, ablution facilities for the stated number of passengers and kitchen facilities for the berthed passengers. Vessel not to exceed the overall length of 75 meters. Vessel is to be capable of loading, transporting and discharging cargo and personnel. The vessel is to be self-sustaining. Vessel is to be capable of operating without tug assistance (i.e. bow thrusters or other such device) The vessel should be self-sustaining with lifting gear at a minimum SWL of 25 metric tons; with sufficient deck and hold space to carry up to 24 (twenty four) 20 foot ISO sea containers, 6 (six) small to medium vehicles (6-12 square meters each) and ability to carry a minimum of 250 metric tons on deck; and able to safely carry containers and vehicles with a 2.7 meter clearance. Of the container capacity mentioned, 4 (four) of the container spaces must be able to accommodate refrigerated containers. Ramp with minimum capacity of 25 metric tons and five (5) meters width is preferred; but if not present, vehicle and 20'' container slings and platforms shall be made available. The vessel should have the capacity to carry approximately 150 tons of diesel and Jet A-1 fuel transported in bulk; is certified to be able to carry dangerous cargo up to Class 1, and has draft of no more than 4 (meters) to satisfy West African port restrictions. The age of the vessel should be maximum 20 years. The Contractor must provide an efficient, effective, and reputable Offshore Manager possessing sound experience who shall be based in Monrovia to assist in the daily operations of the vessel. The Contractor will be responsible for the provision of vessel crew, oil, lubricants, water, cargo lashing equipment, rations, maintenance, as well as other associated administrative costs. UNMIL will pay for the fuel, port costs and cargo handling services. It is expected that the term of contract will be twelve months commencing in September - October 2010, with provision for contract extension for a maximum of two additional periods of up to one year each, at UN''s sole discretion.