Temporary Ferry

We shall be running a restricted service until the renovation of the main ferry is completed.

We’ll keep you posted!

This is not true. Ferry no4-the ferry that was operational until 31 October is still certificated by the maritime and coastguard agency (MCA) until march of 2010.

Teignbridge District Council(TDC), should they have wished to do so could have approached James Trout and sorted out a deal to keep the ferry running. There may have been a cost to TDC, but this would have been to some extent off-set by income. especially at weekends.

The refit cost of around £30,000 was a quote from a shipwright for major works that would ensure the future of our historic ferry for another decade. Do not forget that the previous operator was happy to pay for the works to be carried out, subject to a renegotiated tender fee.

At the present time TDC have tasked one of their officers to check the ferry on a regular basis and ensure that the batteries are charged so that the automatic pumps can clear the vessel of rainwater. the pumps were left aboard courtesy of ourselves since we care about the ferry.

The latest news is that TDC  have now instructed the Teignmouth Harbour Commission to check the ferries three times a week and run the engines for an hour, each inspection!

You will be aware that we have terminated our contract with the Council to run the ferry from Shaldon to Teignmouth.  This decision was very reluctantly taken.

We have been having discussions with Council officials for three years about the future of the ferry service and in particular for the need for a new ferry boat. In October 2005 we had plans drawn for a new ferry and a quote to build a new ferry to our specifications.(in excess of £100k)

Our concession started in October 1998 and was due to run until 30th September 2018. On April 11th 2006 we met with the council to outline our proposals to build a new ferry.

We offered to pay for the replacement ferry subject to a revised contract price to be agreed with the council – we heard nothing. Therefore, in March 2009 we gave six months notice that we would have to terminate our contract.

I thought it would help if I set out the reasons why we took our decision to terminate.

1. In the course of our discussions mentioned above the Council’s declared its intention to sell the ferry assets IN 2007..  This led to concerns as to the future of the ferry operations to the extent that there was no conclusion to our discussions

2. The terms of the Contract were such that they had become too restrictive and onerous, as the basis of a commercial undertaking by a private operator.   We understand, of course, that the Council wishes to provide a service but as we had to run at a financial loss for extended periods it became clear that the existing contract was becoming heavily weighted against a viable commercial operation

3. The operational costs of running the business including the maintenance of the ferryboat increased and this coupled with the inconclusive discussions left us with little scope and incentive for developing the business.

In September 2009 the Council sought Tenders for the continued operation of the Ferry on an annual basis. We submitted a Discussion Document setting out the issues as we saw them and how we thought the Council should consider going forward.  The document also outlined our proposals for a contract.

We also agreed to assist the Council by extending our termination period to run the ferry operation until the end of October 2009

I should state that we would be pleased to continue the operation of the ferry for a minimum period of five years and to finance the works to the hull of ferry T&S4 subject to a renegotiated contract. On 29th June 2009, R Cann & Son quoted a sum of £28,350.00 plus VAT.   Details of these proposed works were sent to the Council.

Why has this happened?  Watch this space!

All interested parties please comment.