The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources in Germany (BGR) has launched a tender invitation for the provision of a research vessel and support crew for its survey work in tropical Indian Ocean.

Namely, the BGR plans to conduct offshore surveys and sampling south-east of Mauritius along the Central Indian Ridge and Southeast Indian Ridge.

Earlier this month, BGR and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) inked a 15-year contract for exploration for polymetallic sulphides in the Central Indian Ocean.

The Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources of Germany also holds a contract for exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone which was signed on July 19, 2006.

This operation aims to fully survey the work area of mineralisation with an exploration of hydrothermal sulphide in the area.

According to Hannover-based institute, the project is scheduled to start October 1 2015 and be completed by December 20 this year as well.

The deadline for submission of tenders is June 9, 2015.

The potential value of the tender hasn’t been disclosed.