Scope
Description
Associated British Ports (ABP) is exploring market capability and appetite to deliver a utility-scale floating solar array at Cavendish Dock, Barrow-in-Furness. The indicative project is a circa 32 megawatt (MW) floating solar installation occupying approximately 18 hectares with annual output capable of powering the equivalent of 10,100 homes. The market engagement will inform ABP's procurement, packaging and contract strategy, providing insights into appropriate delivery models (including but not limited to EPC and EPC+O&M), key risks and constraints (including marine environment, moorings/anchoring, electrical and civil balance of plant and grid connection), and the supply chain's ability to meet the programme.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 28 August 2026 to 31 July 2027
- 11 months, 4 days
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 09330000 - Solar energy
- 09331000 - Solar panels
- 09332000 - Solar installation
- 45220000 - Engineering works and construction works
- 45315100 - Electrical engineering installation works
Engagement
Engagement deadline
12 March 2026
Engagement process description
Purpose of this UK2 Notice: to invite suppliers to participate in preliminary market engagement for the Barrow EnergyDock Floating Solar project. ABP intends to:
• publish a briefing pack and project overview on the ABP Supplier Portal;
• capture supply chain capability, capacity, market insights and feedback via a Microsoft Forms questionnaire (accessible through the portal); and
• offer optional engagement sessions focused on EPC contractors/consortia.
• Insights from engagement will inform ABP's procurement strategy, commercial and delivery approach.
This UK2 is not a call for competition.
Engagement structure:
• Launch project and information on ABP Supplier Portal with project overview.
• MS Forms questionnaire published to capture capability, capacity and feedback.
• Targeted engagement sessions with EPC contractors/consortia.
• Following the market engagement exercise ABP will consider the outcomes. If a decision is to proceed, a procurement strategy will be developed, and a procurement procedure will be undertaken in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced contractor.
Desired Respondents:
• EPC contractors experienced in utility-scale floating or terrestrial solar (≥10 MW) or large-scale solar-plus-marine works.
• OEMs for floating solar platforms and anchoring/mooring systems; PV module and inverter manufacturers offering bankable warranties.
• Civil and Electrical balance-of-plant providers (HV cabling, substations/transformers, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), directional drilling) and grid connection specialists.
• Operations & Maintenance (O&M) providers with demonstrable track record in floating solar, terrestrial solar or offshore renewables; asset management and performance.
How to Participate:
Suppliers should register on the ABP Supplier Portal and search for the Barrow EnergyDock Floating Solar - Market Engagement. Complete the MS Forms questionnaire via the portal to be considered for engagement sessions. Queries should be submitted through the portal messaging function.
ABP Supplier Portal - https://in-tendhost.co.uk/abp/aspx/Home
Additional Information:
• This preliminary market engagement is conducted under Procurement Act 2023. Publication of this UK2 notice precedes any UK4 tender notice. Interested parties will not be prejudiced by any response or failure to respond to this early engagement notice. Participation does not confer any advantage in a future procurement or guarantee an invitation to participate in any future procurement process that ABP conduct.
• This Early engagement Notice does not constitute a call for competition to procure any works or services and in not published to reduce time limits for the receipt of tenders.
• ABP are not liable for any costs, fees or expenses incurred by any party responding to the Early Engagement Notice or any party who may participated in any future procurement process.
• In the event that ABP decides to proceed with any procurement it is assumed this will be carried out in accordance with the procurement regulations enforceable at that time.
• This Early Engagement Notice does not constitute any commitment by ABP to undertake any procurement exercise for this project.
• ABP may share a summarised procurement strategy resulting from the engagement insights.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
20 March 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Contracting authority
ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS
- Companies House: ZC000195
25 Bedford Street
London
WC2E 9ES
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@abports.co.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Private utility