One of Defence’s priority capability areas is littoral manoeuvre, with ship-to-shore connectivity, or lighterage, identified as an area requiring innovation and capability development.
DSTG is seeking information from industry and academia to better understand existing and emerging technologies that may contribute to future Defence lighterage capabilities. In particular, DSTG wishes to identify innovative solutions capable of operating in conjunction with the future Landing Craft Heavy capability and enabling the transfer of personnel, vehicles and cargo across the wet gap that can exist between the Landing Craft and the shore.
For the purposes of this RFI, the term lighterage solution is intentionally broad and includes any concept capable of delivering the required wet gap crossing effect. This may include, but is not limited to, vessels, vehicles, bottom stabilised or supported solutions, bridging systems, ramps, floating piers, causeways; or other novel concepts and enabling technologies.
An industry briefing will be held in Canberra 3 September 2026.
To register for the briefing and interest in responding to the RFI, the information requested in Part 1 of Annex A is to be provided by email to dstglighterage.innovation@defence.gov.au by 4:00pm 21 August 2026 (AEST).
Responses to the RFI are to be submitted via AusTender Ref: RFI 97888 by 4:00pm 30 September 2026 (AEST).
Read more – AusTender Ref: RFI 97888
Documents
RFI Cover Letter – Lighterage Innovation – 001 DSTG Lighterage Innovation – RFI Cover Letter
RFI Annex A – Lighterage Innovation – 002 DSTG Lighterage Innovation – Annex A RFI Respondent Information
RFI Conditions – Lighterage Innovation – 003 DSTG Lighterage Innovation – Conditions of RFI
