Planning

Supply of Replacement Ferry Chains for the Torpoint Ferries

CORNWALL COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

16 Oct 2025 at 13:20

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Cornwall Council, acting on behalf of Tamar Crossings Ltd., is in the planning stage of a procurement process for the supply of marine-grade ferry chains for the Torpoint Ferry service. This procurement is a collaboration between Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council, focusing on replacing ferry chains that are essential for the operation of the Torpoint Ferry across the Tamar Estuary. The procurement falls under the goods category, with a projected gross value of £2,300,000. The procurement process is currently in the planning phase, with an anticipated procurement engagement deadline of 7th November 2025. This will include a future procurement notice expected around 1st February 2026. The location for delivery is within the UK, specifically in the South West England region. The contract duration is set from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2036, adhering to DDP Incoterms. Andy Trout serves as the contact point at Cornwall Council, located in Truro.

This tender presents a lucrative growth opportunity for businesses with experience or capacity in the supply and handling of industrial-grade chains, specifically those meeting marine standards. Companies capable of flaked delivery and handling tidal storage conditions would be well-suited to this contract. It is especially favourable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) due to the contract's suitability designation for such businesses. Engaging in this contract could enhance a business's profile within public sector procurement, offering a stable, long-term income over the decade-spanning contract term. The contract’s scope, including the supply, management, and disposal of ferry chains, provides multiple touchpoints for businesses that specialise in maritime, logistics, and materials management. This engagement serves as a precursor to a competitive tender process, inviting businesses to express interest and offer input that will shape the final procurement strategy.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Supply of Replacement Ferry Chains for the Torpoint Ferries

Notice Description

Cornwall Council, on behalf of the joint authorities (Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council), is re-procuring the supply of ferry chains for Tamar Crossings Ltd. in anticipation of the expiry of the current contract. The Torpoint Ferry operates three floating bridges, each requiring two 655m studless open link chains for propulsion and guidance across the Tamar Estuary. Chains are typically replaced every three years to meet operational requirements and Lloyd's Register wear tolerances, though actual replacement timing may vary based on wear. This procurement covers the supply of four pairs of main chains and an additional 150m of tunnel chain for connection to counterweight gantries. Delivery is required to site under DDP Incoterms, flaked out on flatbed lorries and preserved for tidal storage. Suppliers must also manage the collection and disposal of used chains, returning any scrappage value (less admin fees) to Tamar Crossings.

Planning Information

Cornwall Council, on behalf of Tamar Crossings Ltd., is conducting a soft market test to assess supplier interest and capability in delivering marine-grade ferry chains for the Torpoint Ferry service. This pre-procurement engagement aims to inform a future competitive tender for a 10-year contract (5+5 years) covering the supply, delivery, and disposal of ferry chains. Suppliers are invited to respond to technical, logistical, and commercial questions to help shape the procurement strategy. Participation is voluntary, non-binding, and does not affect eligibility for future procurement opportunities.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065933-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

44 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)

CPV Codes

44540000 - Chain

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,900,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Feb 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2036 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CORNWALL COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

PLYMOUTH CITY

Contact Name
Andy Trout
Contact Email
andrew.trout@cornwall.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+441872322222, 01872 322 222

Buyer Location

Locality
TRURO
Postcode
TR1 3AY
Post Town
Truro
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
St Peter and the Waterfront
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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