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. If you are interested in this area of service provision and also helping with our assessment of the market, please find the documentation required using the following link: https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/ ref: DN794497 Supply of Replacement Ferry Chains for the Torpoint Ferries
Notice Details
Publication & Lifecycle
- Open Contracting ID
- ocds-h6vhtk-05ce1c
- Publication Source
- Find A Tender Service
- Latest Notice
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065974-2025
- 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 20251 months ago
- Submission Deadline
- Not specified
- Future Notice Date
- 1 Feb 20262 months to go
- 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
- 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
-
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065974-2025
16th October 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
View full OCDS Record for this contracting process
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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