NatureScot’s survey vessel, Aphrodite, is a 24-year-old rigid hull inflatable boat that has reached the end of its recommended service life. NatureScot therefore requires the design, manufacture, commissioning, and delivery of a replacement versatile survey vessel and trailer capable of conducting marine environmental monitoring for a range of diverse habitats and species in Scotland’s inshore waters.

The vessel will be used by NatureScot to undertake marine environmental monitoring and survey activities within Scotland’s inshore waters (within 12nm). The vessel shall provide a safe, reliable, and versatile platform capable of supporting a range of scientific and operational activities, including: - Marine Protected Area (MPA) monitoring - Benthic habitat surveys - Species monitoring and evidence-gathering - Diver-based surveys and sampling - Drop-down video (DDV) and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) surveys - Deployment and recovery of scientific monitoring equipment - Acoustic monitoring and hydrographic survey activities - Operations in remote coastal and island locations (e.g. Shiant Isles, Mingulay and Sanday (Orkney)) The vessel shall be capable of supporting these activities whilst carrying personnel and equipment safely in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements.