Peel Ports appoints 18 firms to £750m construction framework

Peel Ports Group has named 18 contractors to a long-term construction framework worth up to £750m, covering major works across its UK and Irish port sites.

The eight-year framework is split into three lots. Lot 1 covers general construction, Lot 2 focuses on marine construction, and Lot 3 is a national lot for large-scale projects.

Firms appointed include J Murphy & Sons, Glencar, Charles Brand, John Graham Construction, McLaughlin & Harvey, Octavius, and Story Contracting. Others on the list are Erith Contractors, GPS Marine & Civil Services, and A E Yates.

The framework will support infrastructure upgrades and new developments at locations such as the Port of Liverpool (pictured), Heysham Port, Manchester Ship Canal, and Dublin Port. It also includes sites at London Medway, Clydeport, and Great Yarmouth.

Work will range from road and warehouse construction to marine asset renewal and quay wall repairs. Rail infrastructure, bridge refurbishments, and demolition also fall within scope.

Peel Ports said the contractors were chosen through a “rigorous procurement process” and will help the group deliver a pipeline of future investments. The group is targeting net-zero operations by 2040, with bidders expected to support this aim through environmental and community engagement.

The port operator handles around 70 million tonnes of cargo annually and employs approximately 2,000 people. It is the UK’s second-largest port operator by volume.

Architects or contract types associated with the framework have not been disclosed. Contract values for individual lots were not broken down.