Tender: Fleetwood to Knott End Annual Passenger Ferry Service Contract commencing 12 April 2026 (3-year + 2-year option)

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Operator sought for an annual passenger ferry service between Fleetwood and Knott End under a contract commencing 12 April 2026 for a three-year period with an option to extend for two years. The successful operator will enter into a lease of the Ferry Dock (including buildings) and Knott End slipway and must provide a ferry vessel, suitably qualified staff and be responsible for day-to-day operation. The service is classed as Inland waters - Category C (tidal river/estuary with significant wave height not expected to exceed 1.2m) and is subject to tidal and weather restrictions; it must operate at least once per hour from 7:45am to 5:45pm throughout the summer season (Easter Sunday to 31 October) with reduced winter hours, though additional sailings may be operated at the operator's discretion. The vessel should, as a minimum, be registered as a Small Commercial Vessel and certified under the MCA's Code of Practice, registered to operate within Area Category 4 and carry no more than twelve passengers per journey. Based on current usage the vessel is expected to carry an estimated 30,000 - 40,000 passengers per annum, and the operator will retain all fares including slipway launch fees at Knott End slipway.