---
title: "ABP Lock Gates Framework"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-069bae"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-069bae"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069bae.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069bae.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS"
published: "2026-05-19"
---

# ABP Lock Gates Framework

Buyer: ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-069bae

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## Summary

Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK's largest ports group, is in the planning stage for a procurement process titled "ABP Lock Gates Framework." This process focuses on the marine equipment industry, specifically involving the design, supply, installation, and maintenance of lock gates throughout its UK ports, including locations such as London. The procurement is at the planning stage, with a critical market engagement phase set to conclude by 19th June 2026. A decision regarding the future procurement is anticipated by 9th July 2026, following extensive supplier engagement to inform the procurement strategy under the Procurement Act 2023.

This procurement presents valuable opportunities for businesses capable of participating in large-scale marine infrastructure projects. Companies specialising in marine equipment, lock gate construction, hydraulic systems, and water project construction are particularly well-suited to compete. The framework aims to foster innovative, efficient solutions for both planned renewals and reactive needs, offering potential growth through a robust, long-term contract. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate, with supplier feedback playing a crucial role in shaping accessible procurement strategies and competitive commercial models.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045656-2026 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 19 May 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 9 Jul 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 4 Nov 2026 - 3 Nov 2031 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Planning |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | Central London |
| Postcode | WC2E 9ES |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation
- 44 - Construction structures and materials; auxiliary products to construction (except electric apparatus)
- 45 - Construction work

### Codes

- 34930000 - Marine equipment
- 44212383 - Lock gates
- 44212391 - Sluice gates
- 45240000 - Construction work for water projects
- 45241000 - Harbour construction works
- 45244000 - Marine construction works

## Release History

- 19 May 2026 at 09:45 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045656-2026

## Documents

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

## Notice URLs

- https://in-tendhost.co.uk/abp/aspx/Tenders/Current
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-069bae. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069bae.json.