Award

Replacement Foot Passenger Launch Service between Cowes and East Cowes

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

24 Dec 2025 at 10:57

Tender

15 Aug 2025 at 15:59

Summary of the contracting process

The Isle of Wight Council has awarded a contract for the provision of a Replacement Foot Passenger Launch Service between Cowes and East Cowes. This procurement falls under the industry category of hire of vessels with crew and is specific to the UKJ34 region in the United Kingdom. The procurement stage is at the contract award phase, with the decision taken on 24th December 2025. The service is designed to operate during times when the existing Floating Bridge is unavailable due to maintenance, technical issues, or adverse weather. The contract covers a three-year period starting from 11th January 2026, with possible extensions up to January 2031, and is procured through an open procedure.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses in the maritime transport sector, particularly those specialising in passenger services and vessel operations. The contract's focus on replacement services during bridge unavailability creates continual operation opportunities for awarded companies. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like Solent Cruises Limited, the successful bidder, have demonstrated capability in this niche area and are particularly well-suited for such projects. Furthermore, the contract's scope and the potential for extension could provide a steady revenue stream, benefiting businesses with the logistical and operational expertise necessary to fulfil the service requirements effectively.

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Notice Title

Replacement Foot Passenger Launch Service between Cowes and East Cowes

Notice Description

The provision of Replacement Foot Passenger Launch Service between Cowes and East Cowes, Isle of Wight. This service is for the provision of a replacement foot passenger launch to operate between the Floating Bridge ferry pontoon adjacent to the Cowes Slipway at the eastern end of Medina Road Cowes and the Gridiron pontoon, Castle Street, East Cowes when the Floating Bridge is not available. The replacement foot passenger launch will be required to operate when the Floating Bridge is out of service as a result of planned maintenance works; technical issues and weather or environmental conditions. For full details of the specification requirements can be found in the specification document. Contract details The contract period is for three years with an option to extend up to two years on a one year and one year extension basis

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Up to two years on a one year and one year extension basis

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058947
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/086090-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60651000 - Hire of vessels with crew

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£226,620 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£226,620 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£226,620 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
16 Sep 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
24 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
11 Jan 2026 - 10 Jan 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL
Contact Name
Vanessa Squibb
Contact Email
procurement@iow.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWPORT
Postcode
PO30 1UD
Post Town
Portsmouth
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ34 Isle of Wight
Delivery Location
TLJ34 Isle of Wight

Local Authority
Isle of Wight
Electoral Ward
Newport Central
Westminster Constituency
Isle of Wight West

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SOLENT CRUISES

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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