First results of the British Waterways’ mooring tender trial

The results

Overall, 89 tenders were submitted, of which 33 were successful. Out of the 43 sites advertised only nine received no tenders, and in just two cases the tenders submitted were below the reserve price, these vacancies were for boats of less than ten metres.

Those whose tender was successful have been contacted and moorings agreements look set to be completed within two weeks of the tender closing date, when new customers will begin their contracts. Two thirds of those who were successful are already current boat owners.

Nothing to fear

The results of the scheme have been encouraging so far, with 10,692 visits to the website in the first month. British Waterways’ Head of Boating Development, Sally Ash says "They show that if you want a mooring, there is nothing to fear from the process nor the prices. There are a range of prices and over 20 per cent of agreements so far are at or below the guide price."

Although the trial is designed to alleviate long waiting lists, the results have shown there is less of a demand for moorings that accommodate small boats, and BW vows to keep an eye on this.

There are many options for those moorings that don’t attract tenders. In some cases BW will remove the vacancy to deliver on their commitment to reduce the number of online moorings near a new marina. In others they may decide to offer it up for tender again or, if possible, reorganise the use of space at the mooring site.

To see the value of every tender submitted, visit the mooring tender website.