SC23007 - Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry Service

This requirement is for the provision of a Gravesend to Tilbury foot passenger ferry service promoted by Kent County Council and Thurrock Council which connects Kent with Essex, providing links for education, social and employment purposes.

The Gravesend to Tilbury ferry Service is an initiative promoted by Kent County Council and Thurrock Council. This ferry service has a history dating back to the 13th century.

The Councils objectives for the ferry Service are as follows: - the provision of a passenger ferry service between Gravesend and Tilbury, using nominated landing stages. - compliance with all statutory requirements of operating a passenger ferry service in UK categorised waters; and - to explore the provision of a vessel with enhanced levels of accessibility, improved environmental credentials, a high-quality passenger experience and a high-quality appearance. - to explore the provision of additional services / sailings e.g., the operation of a Sunday service and additional evening or earlier journeys.

The terminal points are based in Gravesend, Kent and Tilbury, Essex. The service will use the Town Pier pontoon at Gravesend and the Port of Tilbury landing stage. The landing stages are owned and managed by Collins River Enterprises Ltd and the Port of Tilbury respectively. Kent County Council and Thurrock Council will ensure that the necessary rights exist for the operator to access the landing stages, including covering the costs of any applicable access rights or departure fees.