D3 Tenders | ABP Lock Gates Framework

Notice Information

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Notice Title

ABP Lock Gates Framework

Notice Description

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 2,000 individuals across the UK and handles approximately a quarter of the country's seaborne trade. ABP intends to procure a new Lock Gates Framework to support the design, supply, installation and commissioning of lock gates across its ports. Lock gates are critical operational assets for ABP, underpinning the safe, reliable movement of vessels and the ongoing resilience of our infrastructure. Through this framework, ABP is seeking to establish a robust, long-term delivery model that enables both planned renewals and reactive interventions, while securing value for money and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Indicative Framework Scope (Final scope to be informed by market engagement) The Framework is expected to cover a comprehensive range of services associated with the delivery, refurbishment and ongoing maintenance of lock gate assets across ABP's UK port estate. This may include, but is not limited to: * Design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of replacement lock gates and caissons * Design, manufacture and installation of replacement lock gate anchorages and structural interfaces * Design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of lock gate and caisson operating equipment / machinery * Design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of lock gate sluices and hydraulic systems * Major refurbishment and overhaul works * Life extension works to existing lock gate assets * Inspection, assessment, maintenance and repair activities to support asset performance and reliability * Associated temporary works, installation support and commissioning activities Typical Asset Parameters Indicative lock gate sizes across ABP's estate are expected to be in the order of up to approximately 15m wide by 13m high per leaf, although this may vary by location and asset type. The scope is intended to support both planned capital renewals and reactive interventions across the asset lifecycle. The final scope and structure of the Framework will be refined following market engagement and internal governance processes. Description of the Procurement The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice (UK2) is to notify the market of ABP's intention to explore the future procurement of a Lock Gates Framework and to engage with capable suppliers at an early stage. The engagement is intended to support the informed development of the proposed procurement by: * Increasing market awareness of the anticipated framework opportunity. * Understanding supplier capability, capacity, and delivery constraints. * Ensuring the proposed procurement approach is proportionate, accessible, and capable of attracting effective competition, including from SMEs. Supplier input will be used to help shape ABP's procurement and commercial strategy ahead of any decision to proceed with a formal procurement process.

Planning Information

The market engagement is anticipated to be undertaken in a phased manner, with each phase having a defined focus. The form, depth, and sequencing of engagement may be refined in response to market interest and feedback. • Phase 1 – Expression of Interest and Initial Feedback Expressions of interest and high-level written feedback via a questionnaire, to inform ABP’s understanding of supplier capability, capacity, and key constraints. • Phase 2 – Strategy Testing (indicative timings to be confirmed) Targeted 1-1 meetings with interested suppliers to test and seek feedback on the proposed procurement approach, contract strategy, commercial model and supplier capabilities. Following completion of the market engagement, ABP will review the outcomes. Subject to a decision to proceed and internal approvals, a procurement strategy will be developed in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, and a compliant procurement procedure may be undertaken to appoint suitably qualified suppliers to the Framework.

Notice Details

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Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID: ocds-h6vhtk-069bae
Publication Source: Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045656-2026
Current Stage: Planning
All Stages: Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type: UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type: Framework
Procurement Category: Works
Procurement Method: Not Specified
Procurement Method Details: Not specified
Tender Suitability: Not specified
Awardee Scale: Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

44 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

34930000 - Marine equipment

44212383 - Lock gates

44212391 - Sluice gates

45240000 - Construction work for water projects

45241000 - Harbour construction works

45244000 - Marine construction works

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value: Not specified
Lots Value: Not specified
Awards Value: Not specified
Contracts Value: Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date: 19 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline: Not specified
Future Notice Date: 9 Jul 20262 months to go
Award Date: Not specified
Contract Period: 4 Nov 2026 - 3 Nov 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence: Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status: Planning
Lots Status: Planning
Awards Status: Not Specified
Contracts Status: Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

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Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer: ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS
Contact Name: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone: Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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: Not specified
Local Authority: Westminster
Electoral Ward: St James's
Westminster Constituency: Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045656-2026
19th May 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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