Planning

Solent Gateway 2 - ECI and Works Contractor

ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

18 Dec 2025 at 18:02

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

26 Sep 2025 at 16:18

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the "Solent Gateway 2 - ECI and Works Contractor" project is being initiated by Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK's largest ports group, based in London. This project, classified under the works category and part of the utilities special regime, invites interested parties to engage in a selective procurement method with a competitive flexible procedure. The project is planned for the Solent Gateway area in the South East region. Key dates to note include the expression of interest deadline on 28 March 2026, with the award period concluding by 9 October 2026. The procurement estimated value is between £350 to £500 million, for which ABP plans to engage a main contractor initially for early contractor involvement and subsequently for the construction phase, should the project advance.

This project presents significant opportunities for companies specialising in construction, civil engineering work, and architectural services. Businesses with experience in large-scale infrastructure projects and a capacity for innovation in design and construction processes are particularly well-suited to compete. The tender process is structured to assess capability, capacity, and the ability to add value. This is an excellent growth opportunity for companies looking to expand their portfolio and engage with ABP's strategic initiative, enhancing port capacity and infrastructure in support of the UK's trading capabilities. Interested suppliers can engage in a two-stage process, with a prequalification stage followed by an innovation competition, offering a pathway for businesses to demonstrate their expertise and commercial propositions.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Solent Gateway 2 - ECI and Works Contractor

Notice Description

Procurement of an ECI and Works Contractor for the Solent Gateway 2 project

Planning Information

Solent Gateway 2 – Preliminary Market Engagement • Overview of ABP • Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK’s largest ports group providing essential gateways for trade and enabling the green infrastructure essential for the UK’s energy transition. Ideally located on the south coast close to major shipping lanes linking the UK to European and global markets, Southampton is Britain’s Gateway to the World. The port is the UK’s number one hub for deep sea trade and a critical link in supply chains serving businesses and manufacturers throughout the nation. • Broad Insight into the Project • Following sustained work over many years to make the most of our current space and infrastructure, the existing port is now nearing capacity. We are setting out our emerging proposals for a considered expansion – one that we believe brings real benefits to our local communities, the environment and the wider nation. Solent Gateway is already an important part of the wider Port of Southampton – playing a key role in supporting jobs, trade and industry, both locally and across the UK. Our emerging proposals for Solent Gateway 2 would enable ABP to meet future demand and improve resilience through the delivery of a world-leading, sustainable automotive terminal, new marine facilities and improved road access to the existing Solent Gateway. They would also deliver environmental enhancements and a major new country park - improving the landscape and environment at the same time as we improve our port infrastructure. • The Supplier Engagement Process • Alongside ongoing public consultation, ABP wishes to consult with the marketplace about the emerging proposals. Regulated under the Procurement Regulations 2024, this notice is a voluntary process to provide early information about how ABP will be engaging with suppliers and therefore does not constitute commencement of any formal procurement process. Consultation with the market at this early stage will – alongside consultation feedback, ongoing studies, assessments and surveys - inform ABP about the best possible ways to progress the design of the project. It will also help ABP identify how to achieve best value, including the consideration of social and economic benefits for the community. Information about the public consultation can be found here: https://solentgateway2.co.uk/ ABP expects to engage further with the supply chain as the emerging proposals progress, with the potential for both one-to-one sessions and broader supplier engagement events. In the first instance if you wish to register your interest in the project, be notified directly about further consultation, and share your initial views on the material provided as part of the current non-statutory consultation, please complete the following MS Forms link: https://forms.office.com/e/10Mab2eSQC Any further information and communications will be issued to the supply chain via the ABP supplier portal. It is essential to register and express an interest to receive updates. Please ensure your organisation is registered at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/abp/ and https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/, and in case of queries please email: procurement@abports.co.uk. Interested parties will not be prejudiced by any response or failure to respond to this early engagement notice, nor shall a response to this Preliminary Market Engagement notice guarantee an invitation to participate in any future procurement process that ABP conducts. This Early engagement Notice does not constitute a call for competition to procure any works or services and is not published to reduce time limits for the receipt of tenders. ABP is 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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a399
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084644-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

45200000 - Works for complete or part construction and civil engineering work

71000000 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£500,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£500,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
2 Feb 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Oct 2026 - 1 Aug 2031 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@abports.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
WC2E 9ES
Post Town
Central London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLJ36 Central Hampshire
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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