Scope
Reference
DN795553
Description
Tenders are being invited from Operators on the basis that the Contract will be for a period of 3 years with the option of a 2-year extension, commencing on 12 April 2026. The successful Operator will enter into a Lease of the Ferry Dock (including buildings) and Knott End slipway defined in the Contract to assist in the performance of the Ferry Service.
The contract is to provide an annual passenger ferry service between Fleetwood and Knott End. The service is classed as Inland waters - Category C - Tidal river, estuary where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 1.2m at any time. It is subject to tidal restrictions which may reduce the number of sailings possible. The Service will operate at least once per hour from 7.45am to 5.45pm, subject to tidal and weather restrictions, throughout the summer (Easter Sunday to 31 October) with reduced hours in the Winter months. The Operator may choose to operate additional sailings at any time at his discretion.
The Operator is required to provide a ferry vessel, suitably qualified staff, and to be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Service.
The anticipated vessel size would, as a minimum, be registered as a Small Commercial Vessel and certified under the MCA's Code of Practice. The vessel will be registered to operate within Area Category 4 and will carry no more than twelve passengers per journey. Based on current usage, it is estimated that the ferry vessel will carry 30,000 - 40,000 passengers per annum.
The operator will retain all fares including slipway launch fees at Knott End slipway.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 12 April 2026 to 11 April 2029
- Possible extension to 11 April 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
One extension is available for an additional two years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 60000000 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)
Contract locations
- UKD4 - Lancashire
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
12 January 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
19 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
2 March 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 September 2028
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Method Statements | Quality | 60% |
| Management Fee | Price | 40% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/
Opportunity is advertised on the ProContract portal and tender documents are available by expressing interest to the opportunity.
Contracting authority
Wyre Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXVT-3374-BYXZ
Civic Centre
Poulton-le-Fylde
FY6 7PU
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@wyre.gov.uk
Region: UKD44 - Lancaster and Wyre
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government