Provision of Ventnor Harbour Management

Provision of the management of Ventnor Harbour, Isle of Wight.

The Potential Supplier will be expected to manage all aspects of the harbour at Ventnor; typically, this will include but is not limited to: -

• Supervision of the harbour
• Management of the berths
• Collection of berthing income
• Maintenance of the pontoons and harbour infrastructure
• Full insuring liability
• Reporting all accidents and incidents
• Provision of monthly, quarterly and annual reports
• Compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC)
• Compliance with all relevant legislation, including Health and Safety
• Statutory returns to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
• Removal of seaweed in accordance with the current MMO licence

The Potential Supplier will benefit from the total income derived from mooring fees, and, subject to the Authority’s prior approval and all relevant permissions, may be able to implement improvements which may also generate additional income during the term of the contract.

There will be costs associated with managing Ventnor Harbour, not least the annual requirement of seaweed removal, which currently cost in the region of £103,000 per annum, though this can be reviewed as necessary by the successful supplier. All operating costs will be the responsibility of the Potential Supplier, a summary of the last 3 years income and expenditure can be found in Appendix 2 of the Tender Pack.

The term of the contract shall be 01st April 2023 until 31st March 2028. The Authority’s long-term intention is to dispose of the freehold of the harbour to a third party, however, in order to be able to do this it will be necessary to either obtain a Harbour Revision Order or have its statutory port designation removed. The Authority will seek to deliver one of these options during the contact term, and subject to achieving this, may be able to treat with the supplier as a special purchaser.

The Authority has the power to dispose of property under section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, which requires it to achieve ‘best consideration’ in any disposal. The Authority can dispose of property at an undervalue using a general consent of the Secretary of State. The difference between the unrestricted value of the property and the disposal consideration must not exceed £2 million and the purpose of the disposal must be likely to contribute to the achievement of the promotion or improvement of economic well-being; the promotion or improvement of social well-being; and/or the promotion or improvement of environmental well-being in its area or for residents in its area. A special purchaser will have an interest either in the property in question or adjoining land and property.