Scope
Reference
INF-SOT-25/1449
Description
Procurement of an ECI and Works Contractor for the Solent Gateway 2 project
Total value (estimated)
- £500,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 October 2026 to 1 August 2031
- 4 years, 9 months, 2 days
Main procurement category
Works
CPV classifications
- 45200000 - Works for complete or part construction and civil engineering work
- 71000000 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
Contract locations
- UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
2 February 2026
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
28 March 2026, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
9 October 2026
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Competitive flexible procedure description
Planned Procurement Notice - Solent Gateway 2
Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK's largest ports group with 21 ports across the UK, providing essential gateways for trade and enabling the green infrastructure essential for the UK's energy transition. ABP directly employs over 2,400 individuals across the UK and handle approximately a quarter of the country's seaborne trade.
ABP hereby gives notice of its intention to commence procurement activities for the delivery of the Solent Gateway 2 project, following the publication of ABP's UK2 notice in September 2025.
ABP intends to use a competitive flexible procedure to appoint a main contractor to participate in the project's development stage, with an option for ABP to award the same supplier the subsequent construction phase.
This notice does not constitute a commitment to proceed to construction. The project remains at an early planning stage, and the purpose of this procurement is to engage suitably experienced suppliers to support design development, consenting, and statutory requirements.
The anticipated process will comprise two stages:
Stage 1: Conditions of Participation and Outline Proposals
Indicative timeline: February-March 2026
• Procurement Specific Questionnaire (pass/fail)
• Relevant case studies (scored)
• Assessment of capability, capacity, and ability to add value (scored)
ABP expects to shortlist three (3) suppliers at Stage 1, who will advance to Stage 2.
Stage 2: Innovation Competition
Indicative timeline: April-September 2026
Paid outputs under contract (all scored):
• Commercial proposal (pre-construction)
• Commercial proposal (main works)
• Design transition proposal
• Deep dive package proposal
• Programme proposal
• Organisational proposal
Following Stage 2, ABP anticipates selecting a single supplier for early contractor involvement and detailed design, and to subsequently submit an offer for the construction phase, should ABP proceed with the project. The contracting mechanisms are expected to be via NEC PSC and ECC with clause X22.
Project Timeline: Development Consent Order expected 2028
Project Budget: £350-500m anticipated construction value.
Opportunities to submit proposals for this project will be published on ABP's In-Tend portal, suppliers can register here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/abp/
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