Award

Bayeux Tapestry Transport

BRITISH MUSEUM

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

07 May 2026 at 11:11

Summary of the contracting process

The British Museum, based in London, undertook a procurement process titled "Bayeux Tapestry Transport" within the cargo handling and freight transport agency services industry categories. This initiative involved the specialised transport of the Bayeux Tapestry from France to the UK, catering to the specific environmental and mechanical needs dictated by the tapestry's delicate nature. The procurement, completed through a direct award method, resulted in assigning the task to HIZKIA France due to their exclusive ownership of the necessary NOMAD crating system. The contract is scheduled from 20th May 2026 to 30th September 2027, involving operations in both the United Kingdom and France.

This procurement presents growth opportunities for businesses capable of offering tailored logistical and transport solutions, especially those specialising in handling sensitive or high-value artefacts requiring specialised equipment. Companies with expertise in cross-border regulatory compliance and customs formalities will find this tender aligns with their services, particularly if they possess unique technical capabilities or intellectual property akin to HIZKIA France’s proprietary systems. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a focus on innovative transport solutions could leverage such contracts to enhance their portfolio and expand their market presence.

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Notice Title

Bayeux Tapestry Transport

Notice Description

Collection and transport of the Bayeux tapestry from Bayeux, France to the British Museum in London, and its return to Bayeux after the end of its exhibition. The Supplier will provide specialist vibration-controlled transport services, ensuring environmental and mechanical stability throughout the journeys. They will be responsible for all associated packing, handling, loading, unloading, and secure movement of the tapestry. The Supplier will coordinate and manage all import/export and customs formalities between France and the United Kingdom, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks. The Supplier will provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and documentation required to deliver the transport safely, efficiently, and in line with agreed specifications.

Procurement Information

The Bayeux Tapestry must be transported in the NOMAD crating system which was developed and tested by HIZKIA France under contract with Direction Regionale des Affaires Culturelles de Normandie (DRAC) specifically for the transport of the Bayeux Tapestry in accordance with the technical specifications for its movement. The design of the crating system is the intellectual property of HIZKIA France and cannot be reproduced by an alternative supplier. The NOMAD crating system is holistic and must integrate with specific vehicles owned by HIZKIA France in order to achieve the required levels of vibrational stability and environmental control during transport. The crate housing the tapestry cannot therefore be collected and transported by an alternative supplier due to this technical constraint. Further to this use of the NOMAD system and technicians provided by HIZKIA France is a condition of the loan between DRAC and the British Museum

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06932f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041847-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services


CPV Codes

63110000 - Cargo handling services

63521000 - Freight transport agency services

63523000 - Port and forwarding agency services

63524000 - Transport document preparation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£137,043 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
7 May 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
19 May 2026 - 30 Sep 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
WC1B 3DG
Post Town
Central London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI36 Camden
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Camden
Electoral Ward
Bloomsbury
Westminster Constituency
Holborn and St Pancras

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

HIZKIA FRANCE

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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