U.K. Shipbuilders Upset Over Tender

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30593, 9 November 1964, Page 3

U.K. Shipbuilders Upset Over Tender

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 8. The expected Government acceptance of a tender by an Auckland boat-building firm for the construction of a £35,000 fisheries patrol boat is believed to have upset several British boat-building companies.

Eight tenders were received from Britain when the Government called for tenders in New Zealand and overseas.

Other tenders were received from Japan, Holland, and Singapore.

The New Zealand principal for two British firms said last night his clients could not understand how a patrol boat—of the specifications called for—could be built in New Zealand for £35,000.

He claimed the twin engines and radar installations

alone would cost almost twothirds of the total figure, and added it would probably mean importing the engines and radar at a “considerable cost.” “Top-Notch” The principal pointed out that British firms were in a position to install top-notch engines—such as Rolls Royce or a first-class American make —and build the boat for £35,000. But even they would have difficulty in keeping costs down to the price called for, he said. Informed Government sources said today it was realised British firms could meet the price and do a first-class job—but there would then be the added cost of sailing the boat out to New Zealand. There could also be importing and customs difficulties.

Government sources say. however, that the Auckland boat-building firm of P. Voss Ltd., is connected with a British firm—and between them a patrol boat could be built for £35,000. The sources also say the original provision for full radar equipment has been pared down to the essentials. 14 Overseas Tenders were called some months ago for two patrol boats, and 14 overseas tenders were believed to have been submitted. But it is understood the Government decided to drop plans for one of the boats, and concentrate on finding a suitable vessel in New Zealand for conversion into a fisheries research vessel. It is expected the cost of operating the research vessel will be shared between the Marine Department and the Fishing Industry Board. Specification The New Zealand principal for two of the eight British firms which submitted tenders to the Government said today specifications for the boat said it had to be 56 feet and be capable of a speed of 20 knots.