Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second-largest port operator, has opened bidding for two new frameworks encompassing a significant, long-term programme of construction projects across its UK and Ireland facilities, valued at GB£750 million (around US$950 million) in total.
“Our ports form a network of busy logistics hubs servicing local, national and global supply chains, and this move represents a huge step in our efforts to futureproof that network, so we can keep responding and adapting to our port users’ needs in an agile way,” stated Lewis McIntyre, managing director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group.
The port operator is seeking to appoint contractors for both frameworks, which will span up to eight years. One framework will focus on general construction, while the other will specifically address marine construction.
These frameworks will entail construction projects throughout Peel Ports’ extensive portfolio of UK and Ireland ports, including prominent locations such as the Port of Liverpool, Heysham Port, Manchester Ship Canal, London Medway, Clydeport sites, Great Yarmouth, and Dublin Port.
Also, this strategic move reinforces Peel Ports’ commitment to fulfilling its extensive construction pipeline, which encompasses enhancements to existing infrastructure and the development of new facilities.
“The long-term nature of these framework agreements allows us to build meaningful, commercially sustainable partnerships with our construction contractors. It further allows us to appoint a collection of regional suppliers to give us breadth and depth of scope, skill, and responsiveness; the way the frameworks are structured provides invaluable opportunities for the successful partners to design and build sustainable solutions for our various projects, in what will be a truly collaborative approach as we aim for Net zero by 2040,” added Lewis McIntyre.
The primary scope of the first framework encompasses a range of general construction tasks, including but not limited to drainage systems, construction and maintenance of roads and parking facilities, earthworks and soil remediation, foundation and piling work, construction, maintenance, and renovation of warehouses, as well as paving, surfacing, and concrete work. Additionally, it includes rail construction, bridge construction and refurbishment, and demolition activities.
On the other hand, the second framework focuses on specialized marine construction activities, such as piling, asset renewal and refurbishment, installation of berthing furniture and bollards, construction of quay walls, maintenance and replacement of Lock and Sluice gates, and work related to Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) facilities.
Moreover, the call for tenders highlights the necessity for bidders to demonstrate excellence in meeting health, safety, environmental, and quality standards, along with active engagement with local communities. Bidders are also expected to support Peel Ports Group in its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. In addition, it stresses the importance of employing lean construction methodologies and efficiently managing change.
The procurement process is anticipated to span throughout 2024, with contract awards slated for the latter part of the year.
