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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Supply of Replacement Ferry Chains for the Torpoint Ferries

Cornwall Council · Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 30 Sept 2026, 11:05.

Opportunity overview

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.

Classification

  • CPV44540000 — Chain

Lots

  • Lot 1Value not stated

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01
Status
planning
Above Threshold
Yes
Main Procurement Category
goods

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Communication

Future Notice Date
1 Feb 2026, 23:59

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Status
planning

Suitability

Sme
Yes

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2036, 23:59
Starts
1 Apr 2026, 00:00

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
44540000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Chain

Planning and budget

Documents

Entry 1
Id
065933-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK2
Description
Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
marketEngagementNotice
Published
16 Oct 2025, 14:20

Milestones

Entry 1
Id
engagement
Type
engagement
Status
scheduled
Due
7 Nov 2025, 23:59
Description
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.

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Id
GB-PPON-PYRH-9827-DWLP
Name
Cornwall Council

Roles

buyer

Address

Region
UKK30
Country
GB
Locality
Truro
Postal Code
TR1 3AY
Country Name
United Kingdom
Street Address
County Hall

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Id
publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Description
Public authority - sub-central government

Identifier

Id
PYRH-9827-DWLP
Scheme
GB-PPON

Contact

Name
Andy Trout
Telephone
+441872322222
Organisation 2
Id
GB-PPON-PBQP-8499-TLMP
Name
Plymouth City

Roles

buyer

Address

Region
UKK41
Country
GB
Locality
Plymouth
Postal Code
PL1 3BJ
Country Name
United Kingdom
Street Address
Ballard House

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Id
publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Description
Public authority - sub-central government

Identifier

Id
PBQP-8499-TLMP
Scheme
GB-PPON

Contact

Name
Andy Trout
Telephone
01872 322 222

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Truro · UKK30 · TR1 3AY · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKK · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. ocds-h6vhtk-05ce01-2025-10-16T14:20:10+01:00Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·