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SSRM Mast Storage/Conservation

THE DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

06 Aug 2026 at 11:05

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

06 Aug 2026 at 10:31

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Transport procured specialist storage and conservation services for three masts recovered from the SS Richard Montgomery wreck. The requirement covers receiving and handling the masts, secure storage, condition surveys, conservation planning, stabilisation works and ongoing care to prevent deterioration and preserve their historic significance. This is a marine heritage conservation and vessel storage service, including repair and maintenance associated with marine equipment. Delivery is in the United Kingdom. The work requires facilities capable of accommodating assets of this scale, together with expertise in maritime heritage conservation and the infrastructure to handle and store fragile recovered structures safely. The procurement was structured as a single lot and was suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The procurement is complete and was awarded to Chatham Historic Dockyard through a direct award. The award was made on 5 August 2026 for £500,000 excluding VAT, or £600,000 including VAT. The contract period runs from 26 September 2026 to 31 August 2027. The buyer identified Chatham Historic Dockyard as uniquely placed because of transport considerations, the fragility of the masts, and its relevant skills and facilities. The direct-award rationale relied on exclusive intellectual-property or rights considerations and technical reasons. An option allows the conservation works estimate to be finalised. A contract signature milestone was scheduled for 1 September 2026. The award is active.

This award demonstrates demand for specialist maritime heritage conservation linked to the recovery and preservation of large, fragile marine structures. A credible future competitor would need secure storage facilities, suitable lifting, handling and transport infrastructure, and the capacity to accommodate assets of exceptional scale without causing further deterioration. Relevant capability would include marine equipment repair and maintenance, condition assessment, conservation planning, stabilisation treatments and long-term storage management. Experience preserving historic vessels, wreck material or museum-quality maritime exhibits would strengthen a supplier’s position, particularly where it can evidence appropriate technical staff, conservation methods and facilities. The buyer’s direct-award reasoning also shows that proximity, transport practicality, asset fragility and scarce specialist skills are important factors for this requirement.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

SSRM Mast Storage/Conservation

Notice Description

To provide storage and conservation services for the three masts being removed from the SS Richard Montgomery wreck. Following recovery, the masts will require secure storage, condition assessment and conservation works to prevent deterioration and preserve their historic significance. The requirement includes receipt and handling of the recovered masts, condition surveys, conservation planning, stabilisation works and ongoing storage. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has suitable facilities, specialist maritime heritage conservation expertise and the infrastructure necessary to safely accommodate assets of this scale.

Procurement Information

the Dockyard is uniquely placed due to transport time, fragility of masts and the right skills.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06dd4f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074585-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award 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

50 - Repair and maintenance services

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

CPV Codes

50240000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to marine and other equipment

63726300 - Vessel storage services

92521210 - Preservation services of exhibits

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£500,000 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Aug 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
5 Aug 20262 months ago
Contract Period
26 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
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
SW1P 4DR
Postcode Area
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
Vincent Square
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Chatham Historic Dockyard

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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