Procurement
Montrose Packages Berths 9-11 for Design and Build
IMWO original engineering diagram; source: Montrose Port Authority / Public Contracts Scotland
Montrose's GBP 35 million estimated design-build procurement brings quay reconstruction, hardstanding, utilities and dredging into one NEC4 Option A package. The work sequence determines how the activity schedule can be completed and assessed.
Selection has closed ahead of expected November invitations
Montrose Port Authority's 25 September notice sets out a single design-build package for Berths 9-11, estimated at GBP 35 million excluding VAT. The works combine quay reconstruction, hardstanding, utilities and dredging under NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract Option A, using an activity schedule. Selection applications closed on 16 October at 12:00 local time. The notice anticipates invitations on 20 November and gives an intended contract period of 31 August 2027-31 August 2029. Quality carries 30% and cost 70% in the stated assessment. [1]
The river edge changes the order of construction
The consultation masterplan describes a straighter quay built out into the river at the western end of the north quay. Its Project 1 concept provides 209 metres of quayside and 6,510 square metres of hardstanding, with the shallower western end offering a possible pontoon location. [3] Moving the quay line links the retaining structure, infill and dredged berth pocket. Their construction order affects access for plant and the point at which a pavement area can carry loading. A bidder needs to connect those dependencies to identifiable activities: a large combined activity can leave substantial completed work waiting for its last dependent operation.
Evidence conclusion
The tender design must establish the activity boundaries
The concept masterplan and the later procurement have different programme and cost bases. The draft's GBP 38 million allowance includes optimism bias, while the notice publishes a GBP 35 million ex-VAT estimate. [1,3] The tender programme should establish the current design, usable work areas and acceptance requirements before those figures enter an offer. For the activity schedule, each completion description needs a measurable physical result and the records that demonstrate it. Dredging surveys, quay geometry and hardstanding tests then support the relevant activity assessment. Contract-specific payment and change provisions belong in the tender documents; the notice establishes the selected contract form and integrated scope. Firms following the package should now track the invitation and clarification record, since the initial selection deadline has passed.
Outstanding evidence
- 20 November intended invitations and revised procurement dates
- Current quay line, dredging pocket and working-area constraints
- Activity descriptions, completion records and tender payment provisions
Subject index
Related subjects
These subject pages bring together related projects, technical articles, reports, and evidence methods.
Sources used 3
- Montrose Port Berths 9-11 redevelopment: contract notice Montrose Port Authority / Public Contracts Scotland, 25 September 2026
- Draft masterplan consultation and document locator Montrose Port Authority, Owner page read 31 October 2026
- Draft masterplan: Project 1, physical page 31 Montrose Port Authority, October 2025 consultation draft