---
title: "Supply of Replacement Ferry Chains for the Torpoint Ferries"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "CORNWALL COUNCIL"
published: "2025-10-16"
---

# Supply of Replacement Ferry Chains for the Torpoint Ferries

Buyer: CORNWALL COUNCIL  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065933-2025 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 16 Oct 2025 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 1 Feb 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2036 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £1,900,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Planning |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | CORNWALL COUNCIL |
| Additional buyers | PLYMOUTH CITY |
| Locality | TRURO |
| Post town | Truro |
| Postcode | TR1 3AY |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK4 Devon |
| ITL 3 | TLK41 Plymouth |
| Local authority | Plymouth |
| Electoral ward | St Peter and the Waterfront |
| Westminster constituency | Plymouth Sutton and Devonport |
| Delivery location | TLK South West (England) |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 44540000 - Chain

## Release History

- 16 Oct 2025 at 13:20 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065933-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065933-2025
  16th October 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.cornwall.gov.uk
- http://www.plymouth.gov.uk
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01.json.