Chain

Tender description

Supply of 3 pairs of the specified Chains to operate the 3 Torpoint ferries which each use two 655 metre lengths of chain to guide and propel them ferry across the Tamar Estuary. Also a requirement for an additional 200 m of same specification chain to enable replacement of the tunnel chains that attach the main chains to the counterweight gantries. The Ferry chains are normally changed after 3 years in service to maintain their functional requirement and to stay within the Lloyds Register tolerances for acceptable wear. This change periodicity is not binding and is dependent on actual wear, whether that be slower or faster than predicted. The chains are critical to the operation of the ferries and, due to the usual relatively long lead times involved in supply, it has been normal practice to have a spare available at Torpoint in the event of a defect requiring a chain change. This procurement exercise is intended to cover the supply of the next 3 pairs of chains and a further 200 m length of chain to enable replacement of the tunnel chains that attach the main chains to the counterweight gantries.