---
title: "Supply of Replacement Ferry MainChains for the Torpoint Ferries"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05ce1c"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05ce1c"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05ce1c.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05ce1c.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "CORNWALL COUNCIL"
published: "2026-06-12"
---

# Supply of Replacement Ferry MainChains for the Torpoint Ferries

Buyer: CORNWALL COUNCIL  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05ce1c

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## Summary

Cornwall Council is leading the tender process for the supply of replacement ferry main chains for the Torpoint Ferries, in collaboration with Plymouth City Council. This procurement, categorised under the 'Chain' industry, involves supplying 655m studless open link chains for the operational needs of the Tamar Crossings Ltd, with delivery in the United Kingdom's South West region. Currently in the 'tender' stage, the procurement adopts an open procedure with a submission deadline of 22nd July 2026, whereas the last date for enquiries is 8th July. The contract, valued at approximately £1.9 million, is expected to start on 1st December 2026 and carry the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.

This contract offers substantial growth potential for businesses specialising in marine-grade and industrial chains, particularly those capable of providing high-quality products and innovative supply solutions that meet operational and logistical demands. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in marine operations and a track record of managing logistics and disposal of materials efficiently will find this tender particularly suitable. With a strong focus on price, quality, and social value, businesses leveraging these criteria are encouraged to participate, potentially enhancing their portfolio and market standing through successful delivery under this significant public sector contract.

## 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 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. The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk - Search Latest Opportunities - Search for Project reference DN794497 Supply of Replacement Ferry Main Chains for the Torpoint Ferries

### Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The Contracting Authority reserves the option to extend for up to 5 years, subject to performance, requirement, and funding.

### 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

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055515-2026 |
| Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning, Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 12 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 21 Jul 2026 |
| Future notice date | 12 Jun 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 1 Dec 2026 - 30 Nov 2031 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

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

## Status

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

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | CORNWALL COUNCIL |
| Additional buyers | PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL |
| 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

- 12 Jun 2026 at 08:32 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055515-2026
- 11 Jun 2026 at 07:56 - Planning - UK1 - Pipeline Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/054992-2026
- 16 Oct 2025 at 14:09 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065974-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055515-2026
  12th June 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/054992-2026
  11th June 2026 - Pipeline notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065974-2025
  16th October 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk
  e'tendering portal www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk

## Notice URLs

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

## 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-05ce1c. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05ce1c.json.