Contracts for the Rathlin and Strangford ferries

Background

CPD Supplies and Services Division worked closely with the Department for Infrastructure to complete procurement exercises for the provision of new ferries for Rathlin and Strangford crossings.

CPD and the Department for Infrastructure engaged with shipbuilders from across Europe prior to running both procurement processes.

This pre-market engagement was a good example of procurement commissioners, procurement professionals and industry working together to achieve a more innovative solution.

The tender evaluation for both procurements considered environmental impacts in respect of engine emissions and fuel use - using a version of the EU approved Lifetime Cost Calculator to comply with the EU Directive on the Promotion of Clean and Energy-Efficient Vehicles.

Rathlin Ferry

The new ferry has capacity for 5-6 cars and 140 passengers, which improves capacity from the previous ferry MV Canna which had reached the end of its service life.

Eight shipbuilding companies expressed an interest in the opportunity via a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ). Six of these companies were shortlisted and invited to tender. Four bids were received by the tender deadline.

The end-to-end procurement (from publication of PQQ documents to award of contract) was completed in 23 weeks.

Strangford Ferry

The new ferry has capacity for 28 cars and 260 passengers, which improves capacity from the previous ferry MV Strangford which had reached the end of its service life.

Eight shipbuilding companies expressed an interest in the opportunity via a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ).

Five of these companies were shortlisted and invited to tender. Three bids were received by the tender deadline.

The end-to-end procurement (from publication of PQQ documents to award of contract) was completed in 24 weeks.