01 Aug

Offspring International Awarded Torpoint Ferry contract

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee has selected leading offshore chain supplier, Offspring International as their preferred provider for the main chains used to guide and propel the Torpoint Ferries.

The Joint Committee is responsible not only for the Torpoint Ferry but also the Tamar Bridge with both crossings in operation 365 days per year 24 hours per day. The Ferry service was first commissioned back in 1791 and in those days propulsion was with sail and oar. In 1832 the concept of Rendels floating bridge using chain was put into place at Torpoint and Saltash, the operation being eventually acquired in 1922 by Cornwall County Council. 1957 saw the Tamar Bridge Act and the formation of the Joint Council.

Moving forward to today three ferries are in operation with the service being varied to match demand which is largely of local origin and destination. Typical weekday traffic equates to 3,600 vehicles each way making this the busiest inland waterway vehicle ferry in UK.

After an extensive EU Tender process, the selection was finally made, and the Torpoint Ferry contract was awarded to Offspring International to supply replacement chains for the 3 ferries currently in service. Each chain is some 650 metres in length, weighs 24 tonnes and needs to be changed every 3 years.

For more information on Offspring International’s range of mooring chains and navigational mooring systems call +44 (0)1384 453880, email: mail@offspringinternational.com and visit www.offspringinternational.com.