NIGP 12029: Camels (Structure to Lift Submerged Vessels)

NIGP Item 12029, Camels (Structure To Lift Submerged Vessels), encompasses floating, removal, transport, and disposal services for derelict and partially submerged vessels in shallow and navigable waterways. State and local governments procure under this code to address environmental hazards, regulatory compliance, and waterway maintenance through competitive pricing on vessel-specific removal projects. Recent solicitations show Escambia County Marine Resources Division dominating activity in Florida, issuing price quotes for derelict vessel removal and disposal supported by grants from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; work scopes include hazardous material abatement, fuel and holding tank pumping, environmental best management practices, and landfill tipping fees. Contractors must carry marine-specific insurance—Protection & Indemnity, Maritime Workers Compensation, and Marine Pollution Liability, each at $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate—with insurers holding minimum AM Best Rating VIII.

Escambia County Marine Resources Division posted ten derelict vessel removal solicitations between June and September 2026, covering vessels ranging from 16 to 33 feet in length across Perdido Bay, Bayou Chico, Kees Bayou, and near Pensacola Pass; vessels damaged by Tropical Storm Bertha were re-solicited following condition changes to account for complete debris removal. Representative solicitations include the 33-foot Southern Cross (Solicitation WM264320260915, price quote due September 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.), the 32-foot Islander near Pensacola Pass requiring U.S. Navy coordination (WM2638, due August 11, 2026), and the 27-foot Catalina Sailboat in Bayou Chico (WM2630, due June 12, 2026). Work commencement within 7 calendar days and completion within 14 calendar days are standard; operations are restricted to daylight hours Monday through Friday with upland staging and turbidity barriers required. All contracts are lump-sum price quotes submitted via OpenGov Procurement portal, with no salvage permitted and contractor responsibility for landfill coordination and tipping fees.