Capital dredging

Southampton files for a 5.5 million m3 channel deepening

Published 18 July 2026 Publisher IMWO Region Europe Confidence Confirmed
Boskalis backhoe dredger Magnor loading an attendant barge during Southampton's separate 2024 Western Docks channel-widening project

Associated British Ports; 2024 Southampton widening context

ABP's marine-licence application puts a number on the next Southampton channel job: about 5.5 million m3 across SCT 5, the main navigation channels and the Nab Channel. The berth pocket would reach 17.1 m below Chart Datum and channel depths would vary from 14.0 m to 15.2 m.

Published scope and current milestone

MMO case MLA/2026/00178 controls the proposed 5.5 million m3 volume, SCT 5 and channel depths, maximum local cut and physical-work window. Find a Tender controls the separate contractor competition and planned dates. ABP's current port page records SCT 5 at 16.5 m before this proposal. Its 2024 widening story supplies separate historical context and the lead image; neither proves that the 2026-27 project is licensed, awarded or under way.

Dredging quantity and delivery implications

This is not a repeat of the 900,000 m3 Western Docks widening completed in 2024. The new proposal reaches from a live container berth through the main channel system to the Nab approach, and it combines a much larger volume with buried pipelines, quay-wall proximity, UXO controls, sea disposal and vessel-traffic constraints.

Evidence conclusion

Survey, placement and acceptance evidence

Two decisions are still missing from the public record. MMO has not issued the marine licence, and the Find a Tender notice family does not identify the principal-contractor award. The procurement notice's GBP 0 value is not a zero-price contract. The application volume and depths are proposed design and licensing figures; they become delivered capacity only after award, mobilisation, dredging and accepted hydrographic surveys.

Outstanding evidence

  • MMO decision and licence conditions after consultation
  • UK6 award notice or ABP contractor announcement
  • Final contract value, scope, programme and risk allocation
  • Ground model, UXO plan, pipeline controls and selected dredging plant
  • Sea-disposal route, environmental windows and live-port sequencing
  • Post-dredge surveys confirming SCT 5 and channel depths

Related records 1

Subject index

Related subjects

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