Cork Airport seeks partner to fuel growth
A private partner is sought to deliver a fuel farm at Cork Airport as building design frameworks launched by daa, David Keniry writes.
Cork Airport is seeking a fuel partner to build, operate and maintain a new fuel farm on the South Apron. The successful tenderer will manage all aspects of the fuelling business from this second site including delivering fuel into plane, to investing in infrastructure, to maintaining the assets, to running the day-to-day fuelling operations.
Cork Airport is the second largest airport in the State and is managed and operated by daa. As 2024 progresses, passenger traffic at Cork Airport is expected to grow strongly, with 8 scheduled airlines and more than 50 routes on offer across the year. Due to the size of the airport and the airline mix now in place, there is a need to add competition to the supply available at the airport.
This site is currently in the planning process and the opportunity is contingent on this planning application being successful and has been designed for 4 x 53,000 litre tanks. It is noted in the Request for Information that this represents a fantastic opportunity for a key partner, with an airport that has real ambition and will focus keenly on supporting the development of a word class operation over the next 5 years.
Responses are due to the Contracting Authority, daa, by 12th September 2024 with details on a ESG Strategy mandatory. A preferred bidder is expected in November.
The Successful Tenderer will be required to comply with all applicable environmental laws, including Air emissions controls. The Successful Tenderer must also comply with any additional environmental and sustainability requirements and ethical manufacture practices specific to the products or services being provided.
The Department of Transport is currently developing a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, targeted for delivery by the end of 2024, which will help guide policy development. Ireland’s Department of Transport recently updated the terms of reference in July for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force which brings together stakeholders with responsibility for, and interest in, policy development and implementation in relation to SAF.
Membership of the Task Force includes Government Departments and Agencies, airlines, airports, academia, representative bodies, Boeing, and Irving Oil, the operator of Ireland’s only oil refinery which is in Cork Harbour.
Meanwhile, daa has issued an RFI for Building Design Service Framework Panels with an ongoing requirement for continued capital investment across Cork and Dublin Airports. Works may take place in critical areas across the boarding gate piers, terminals and the general airport campus.
The purpose of this RFI process is to identify suitably experienced Design Service Partners to assist the Contracting Authority in delivering design works that may be required during the course of the Framework period to successfully operate the airport buildings and campuses at both Dublin and Cork Airports.
The Contracting Authority intends to place non-exclusive bespoke Framework Agreements with a select number of Building Design Service Partners to undertake building design works at Dublin and Cork Airports. The Contracting Authority has an Infrastructure Department which is responsible for the delivery of infrastructure projects at Dublin and Cork airports. The Contracting Authority’s Infrastructure Department currently has building, electrical and mechanical design teams and the purpose of this RFI is to identify additional suitable partners to supplement these existing resources.
The Contracting Authority currently has a Building Design Services Partner, however due to increased workload and expediated delivery periods additional support is required.
The Contracting Authority intends to appoint a Framework Panel for Minor Building Design Services and another panel for Major Building Design Services on projects with an AFC of above €10m.
The future projects being pursued by daa, with an estimated capex of approximately €200 million per annum over the next five years, encompass comprehensive upgrades across key areas in the terminal buildings and campus areas at Dublin and Cork Airports.
This includes extending and improving Food and Beverage and lounge areas, increasing seating capacity, and adding new gates to enhance service levels. Additionally, there are plans for the reorientation and rehabilitation of the International Departures Lounge areas, and refurbishment of washrooms at various gate locations. Further improvements involve circulation modifications, façade upgrades, new washrooms and assistance facilities, and upgrades to entrance areas and immigration halls, ensuring a more efficient and user-friendly experience for all passengers. Enhancements to the Platinum Services (executive lounges) are also included.
In order to promote a collaborative approach with the appointed Design Services Partners the Contracting Authority intends to use the NEC4 Professional Services Contract. Responses are due by 13th September 2024.
