Capital dredging
Boskalis selected for Southampton channel deepening
ABP selected Boskalis Westminster on 11 August 2026 for Southampton Channel Deepening. The 12 August UK6 retains a pending award, with signature unconfirmed in the complete history reviewed on 15 October. MMO's application for about 5.5 million m3 across SCT 5 and the main and Nab channels shows Submitted / (In progress) / [On Hold].
Published scope and current milestone
The official UK6 and complete procurement history identify Boskalis, the pending award and scheduled dates. MMO's visible case summary, reviewed on 15 October, supplies the current status, proposed quantities, maximum 1.3 m local cut and work windows; the hold reason and duration are unstated. The July consultation has closed. Full application attachments and an issued licence have not been reviewed. ABP's port page was reviewed in July and recorded an existing SCT 5 depth of 16.5 m. The Magnor lead image documents the separate 2024 widening works.
Dredging quantity and delivery implications
The proposed dredge extends from a live container berth through the navigation channels to the Nab approach. It combines buried pipelines, quay-wall proximity, UXO controls, sea disposal and vessel traffic with a proposed December 2026-July 2027 programme. SCT 5 would reach 17.1 m below Chart Datum and channel levels 14.0-15.2 m. Upstream work is scheduled to end by 14 March to avoid the later salmonid migration windows. ABP's completed 900,000 m3 Western Docks widening remains a separate 2024 project.
Evidence conclusion
Survey, placement and acceptance evidence
Supplier selection, signature, marine consent and physical commencement have distinct evidence requirements. The UK6 schedules signature for 30 August and a contract period from 1 September 2026 to 31 July 2027; contract execution remains unconfirmed. Its GBP 0 net and gross fields leave a usable price unconfirmed. MMO has no current consultation for the on-hold application. The application volume, including side slopes and a 0.5 m over-dredge allowance, retains its proposed basis; accepted depths require post-dredge hydrography.
Outstanding evidence
- MMO on-hold application, licence decision and conditions
- Signed Boskalis contract or contract-details notice
- 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
Subject index
Related subjects
These subject pages bring together related projects, technical articles, reports, and evidence methods.
Sources used 8
- Marine licence public register: MLA/2026/00178 Marine Management Organisation, Application submitted 1 April 2026; visible status and programme reviewed 15 October 2026; original review 18 July 2026
- MLA/2026/00178 case summary and draft environmental appraisal Marine Management Organisation, 1 April 2026
- Southampton Channel Deepening UK6 award notice 076591-2026 Associated British Ports via Find a Tender, 12 August 2026; selection 11 August 2026
- Southampton complete procurement history and amendments Find a Tender, Complete history checked 15 October 2026
- Southampton Channel Deepening UK4 tender notice Associated British Ports via Find a Tender, 12 January 2026
- Southampton capital dredging statutory notice Hampshire Chronicle via Public Notice Portal, 25 June 2026
- Port of Southampton location, services and berth information Associated British Ports, Current page reviewed 18 July 2026
- The Port of Southampton completes channel widening programme Associated British Ports, 2 April 2024