Scope
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.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2028
- 2 years, 1 month
Main procurement category
Goods
Additional procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 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
Contract locations
- UKJ34 - Isle of Wight
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 March 2026
Engagement process description
This is an initial engagement process - the Council may conduct further rounds of preliminary market engagement based on findings from initial supplier insight.
Specifically the Council has set out a series of questions which we are seeking insight from the marine supplier market. The questionnaire can be accessed by the below link:
https://forms.office.com/e/mit9rHfgKz
The Council has also produced an accompany document that provides more details on the current context and how to engage. If you would like this document please contact
Steve Sandercock (Procurement Consultant)
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
31 March 2026
Contracting authority
Isle of Wight Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGYX-7387-YJXG
County Hall
Newport
PO30 1UD
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ34 - Isle of Wight
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government