Planning

Supply of Replacement Ferry Chains for the Torpoint Ferries

CORNWALL COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

11 Jun 2026 at 07:56

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

16 Oct 2025 at 14:09

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Cornwall Council, in collaboration with Plymouth City Council, is currently in the planning stage of a public procurement process for the supply of replacement ferry chains for the Torpoint Ferries—an essential operation managed by Tamar Crossings Ltd. The procurement, scheduled to commence on 1st December 2026 and conclude by 30th November 2031, is carried out under an open procedure due to the high-value threshold of £1.9 million GBP. This process caters to a particular need within the goods category, targeting the industry of chain manufacturing, with a specific focus on supplying marine-grade ferry chains. Delivery is anticipated to be conducted to the site's UK region under DDP Incoterms, aligning with the procedural guidelines set forth by UK legislation (2023/54). The procurement notice suggests a commitment to sustainability through the requirement for suppliers to manage the disposal of used chains and return any scrappage value to Tamar Crossings.

This tender presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses specialising in marine equipment supply to expand their operational capacity by competing for a long-term engagement with Cornwall Council. The focus on chains indicates robust demand within the marine and transportation industries, and businesses capable of delivering goods that meet the specific technical and regulatory criteria (such as compliance with Lloyd's Register wear tolerances) are well-positioned. SMEs could find particular advantage as the tender not only supports but accommodates their participation. This procurement could spur business growth by aligning with key procurement criteria such as the ability to handle logistical and commercial deliverables and ensuring environmental responsibility through the management of surplus materials. Interested parties are invited to engage in preliminary market tests and are encouraged to shape the procurement strategy through non-binding preliminary engagements.

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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. 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/054992-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
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
11 Jun 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
12 Jun 2026Today
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 30 Nov 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CORNWALL COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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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