Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire - Floating Bridge (Chain Ferry) Cowes / East Cowes
Details
- Topic
- Ships and boats
- Published
- 25 February 2026
- Submission
- 31 March 2026
- Source
- uk:find_a_tender
Tender description
The Isle of Wight Council (the Council) has resolved to replace the current Cowes Floating Bridge 6 chain ferry, which serves the communities of Cowes and East Cowes with a new vessel that meets improved performance standards and reduces the financial subsidy provided from the council to the service. To help inform how the Council could tender for this project it has resolved to undertake a preliminary market engagement exercise. This UK2 Notice forms the first stage of that exercise and as such the Council is seeking insight from relevant marine related organisations. The dates set out to this notice are indicative for a design build phase to commissioning into service - but would be informed by the market.
Timeline
- Completed: Pre-tender published25 February 2026Current notice
About the buyer
Isle of Wight Council governs the island as a local authority, and advertises its tender opportunities through the South East Business Portal. Contracts Finder lists opportunities above a set value threshold, while larger contracts appear on the Find a Tender Service. Suppliers register free on ProContract, the system behind that portal, to receive notifications of new opportunities. The same portal carries opportunities from local authorities across the South East region. Public Contract Regulations 2015 govern the council's tender processes. Every business gets a fair and equal chance to compete for its contracts.
UK local government drives £140bn in annual procurement, led by social protection (£66.6bn) and education (£57.1bn).
Over the past 5 years, most of Isle of Wight Council's contract awards have been in software and information systems, IT services and construction work.
Relevant CPV codes
- 34500000 · Ships and boats
- 45244000 · Marine construction works
- 50240000 · Repair, maintenance and associated services related to marine and other equipment
- 60610000 · Ferry transport services
- 60640000 · Shipping operations
- 71240000 · Architectural, engineering and planning services
- 71322000 · Engineering design services for the construction of civil engineering works
- 71340000 · Integrated engineering services
Decision makers
Connect with the people behind this procurement.
| Contact name | Job title | Phone number | Work email |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Procurement | +44 •••• •••••• | ••••••••@isle-of-wight-council.gov | |
| Commercial Director | +44 •••• •••••• | ••••••••@isle-of-wight-council.gov | |
| Procurement Manager | +44 •••• •••••• | ••••••••@isle-of-wight-council.gov | |
| Category Lead | +44 •••• •••••• | ••••••••@isle-of-wight-council.gov | |
| Senior Buyer | +44 •••• •••••• | ••••••••@isle-of-wight-council.gov | |
| Contracts Manager | +44 •••• •••••• | ••••••••@isle-of-wight-council.gov |
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