Marine property for sale

Iconic Ferry Business of Interest to Maritime Enthusiasts. Available Via Formal Tender Closing Date 4th February 2025.

The Teignmouth Shaldon Ferry is a historic service which can be traced back to 1296. Crossing the Teign Estuary was an important link between the two towns and prior to the first bridge being built in 1827, the ferry saved a journey of around 14 miles. Now this iconic service offers residents of the area and tourists alike access to both towns and all their facilities, beaches, coastal walks and much more. The ferry is boarded via Teignmouth Back Beach and Shaldon Beach. Bikes, dogs and pushchairs are all welcome.


FERRY DETAILS

FERRY NO.4 (OWNED BY TEIGNBRIDGE COUNCIL)
The Ferry is an open timber ferry with a length of 35ft. She was built specifically for the job by Bulleys of Teignmouth in 1947. The vessel is Maritime Coastguard Agency Licensed for up to 35 passengers. The boat carries a 37-person life raft (on hire), fire extinguishers, lifebelts and all MCA mandatory safety equipment. The engine is a 90hp Beta Marine Kubota, new nine years ago and serviced to a strict schedule. All the stern gear and the propeller are refurbished/replaced at annual refit/survey which is in January each year. No 4 Ferry has been subject to three major rebuilds in the last fifteen years. The major replacements include, keel, bottom planking, transom, fore and aft decks, gunwales and all interior woodwork, major longitudinal ribs and solid frames, the vessel has been largely refastened. The majority of these works have been carried out by highly reputable Devon Wooden Boats & Bob Cann Totnes. The council also provide as part of the agreement exclusive use of the ferry shelter, Lifeboat Lane, Teignmouth and the purpose built bunded fuel store.

QUALIFICATIONS
In order to comply with Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulations, the Skipper is required to hold a Master of Vessel - Boat Masters Level 2 Certification. This involves extensive oral & practical examinations. The crew must be assessed by the Skipper and complete a thorough training course in line with the current Safety Policies which are reviewed annually.

OPERATING TIMES
From 1st April or Easter (whichever is earlier) to the end of October the Ferry Service will operate seven days a week from 8.00 am to dusk. From 1st April to mid-May and from 1st September to 31st October the last ferry will run until at least 6.00 pm and gradually build up to the last ferry at 10.00 pm during July and August. Frequency Easter to October inclusive, the service will operate at a minimum of twenty-minute intervals from both Teignmouth and Shaldon. During the winter period the service will run five days a week from 8.00 am until dusk Monday to Friday. Bank Holidays The service will operate on all Bank Holidays (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day - the Contractor may operate the service on these days at his discretion).

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
A schedule of condition shall be carried out and agreed at the commencement of the contract thereafter and during the term of the Contract the Contractor will repair and maintain the boat so that the state of repair is kept at the same level or better than at the commencement of term. The ferry vessel shall be maintained in a good clean condition. Access planks must be visually checked at each time of use. The fixing brackets must be checked and tested daily. The access planks must be kept in a good, clean safe condition free from sand and rot. A daily visual inspection and greasing of the inner stern gland must be made, and records kept. An Annual Refit will be required. The date and time of the proposed refit to the vessel must be notified to the Supervising Officer to enable a representative to inspect the hulls/engines of the vessels and agree a programme of repairs and maintenance.

LICENCE
We have been informed the Licence will be for a term of 15 years.

LICENCE FEE
Interested parties are to tender for the annual Licence Fee which is currently £7,000 per annum.

TENDER
In order to tender for the licence to run this iconic ferry, Teignbridge District Council require a tender form to be completed. The Tender Document is available through Bettesworths, please contact on[use Contact Agent Button] or [use Contact Agent Button] should include details of the buyer's circumstances, financial situation and include certification of the required qualifications. Interested parties should return this form to Bettesworths, 29-30 Fleet Street, Torquay, TQ1 1BB in a sealed envelope by the closing date Tuesday 4th February 2025. The successful bidder will be expected to complete on a new licence within 28 days of agreement of terms.