Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry Service

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.