The Department of Transport is inviting tenders from companies interested in providing a dredging service for Douglas and Peel harbours.

Dredging or levelling of all harbours is necessary on an ongoing basis to maintain an effective and safe depth for the operation of berths.

Director of Harbours Michael Brew explains, "In those harbours where access can be gained at low water, dredging is undertaken on a regular basis by excavators.  In Douglas Inner Harbour, where water is impounded, dredging to date has been undertaken annually by a single local supplier.

"However, with Peel Marina now operational, the amount of dredging required, and the timescale for it to be achieved, means that it is appropriate to offer the work for tender."

The proposed contract is for the dredging and removal of approximately 21,000m3 and 23,000m3 for Douglas and Peel respectively.

"In Douglas, relatively small-scale maintenance dredging has been carried out annually," said Mr Brew.

"However, periodically it is necessary to carry out a larger dredge. Completion of the proposed large-scale dredge is expected to allow us to return to normal levels of maintenance dredging for several years ahead.

"In Peel, having operated the new marina for almost a year, there is now a need to expand the dredged area.  This expansion will include the river side of the marina, which was not dredged as part of the capital scheme.

"As expected, this new facility has proved to be very popular and demand for berths is high. This dredge will allow us to make maximum use of the available space in the marina and carry out the expected annual maintenance."

The closing date for expressions of interest is 19th March 2010 and for further information concerning this enquiry, and instructions on how to register your interest, please visit www.gov.im/works/tenders

Alternatively, you can write to the Purchasing Manager at Ellerslie Depot, Crosby, Isle of Man, IM2 2HA or email brian.caley(at)gov.im