East Cowes Town Council and Isle of Wight Council officials say a key government meeting has delivered encouraging clarity on how to move forward with the procurement process for a new Floating Bridge.
The meeting brought together East Cowes Town Councillors, Isle of Wight Council Leader Phil Jordan, key committee members, and senior officers. The discussion provided clear and encouraging guidance on the procurement framework, confirming that the authority can actively engage with potential contractors – including local suppliers – to ensure the unique requirements of the River Medina crossing are fully met.
This positive clarification paves the way for a procurement approach that not only addresses technical challenges but also reflects the priorities of the local community.
A senior commercial lead from the government service stated:
“Given the complexity and level of risk associated with this procurement, a thorough and well-structured market engagement period will be essential. Engaging with a diverse range of potential suppliers ahead of the formal process is key, provided this is carried out in full compliance with the Preliminary Engagement provisions set out in the Procurement Act.”
Both Councils welcomed this advice and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to receive guidance at the highest level. This collaborative approach will help ensure the next stages of the process are robust, transparent, and focused on delivering the best outcome for residents and businesses.
East Cowes Town Council and Isle of Wight Council look forward to continuing this positive partnership as work progresses toward a solution that serves the community for years to come.
What a load of cobblers, just go and buy a boat that works and get a guarantee with it. The template is sat in Portsmouth harbour.
The statement in italics by a “senior commercial lead from the government service” delivering such “encouraging clarity”, would be given by anyone with an ounce of common sense. Who exactly was this Government spokesperson and from what Department at this “key government meeting” ?
Are they going to use an accredited marine engineer to design it?
Hardly progress and it appears the Council Officers have not meet the deadline given to them following the Council Meeting on 16th October 2025 by ERTIC, (Economic, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee).
As was reported :-
“ERTIC agreed to instruct officers to ‘procure a qualified company to articulate a high level requirement specification and invite companies to procure solutions’.
It said an update report will be brought to an ERTIC meeting on January 22, 2026.
At that point, a ‘formal decision’ could be made on the preferred option for the new vessel and beginning the tendering process before the start of the pre-election period.
An Isle of Wight Council election will take place in May 2026.”
So, are the Council Officers going to provide the requirement asked of them to the Council Meeting on the 22nd January to find a suitable qualified company so a “formal decision” can be made for tendering before May 2026, or are they just reporting they have had a meeting to agree what common sense would tell anyone regarding making a sizeable procurement ?
More bollocks be 5/10 years before if we get another.
In the long run much cheaper to build a flyover.
I don’t expect Island Roads to build one, they are still
struggling to fill potholes.
Get a decent mainland firm over, job done.
Better for everyone.
If we ever do get another CHUGGY would it not be a good idea to have
it built by Wight Shipyard Co …right nextdoor to the Floaty so at hand in case of breakdowns and it helps local buisness !!
well said…but then that would depend on how many back handers are offered