Estimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
18 June 2026
Published
20 May 2026
Type
goods
Overview
KBS Maritime have a requirement for penstock replacements at B Lock within Portsmouth Naval Base. The project consists of 10 in number replacement penstocks in 6 chambers overall.
The penstock system controls sea water via a culvert system between the harbour, the basin and the dry docks. These include levelling penstocks of circa 8 metres deep to drainage penstocks circa 18 metres deep.
The replacement programme will replace the current cast irons doors with new with specification to be agreed along with the associated shafts, wedges, door nut, brackets, platforms, ladders and actuation and road plates. This project is due to commence in Q4 2026 with all to be replaced by Feb 2030.
Additional details
Contractors must be able to demonstrate design, manufacture and installation of penstock replacements in a marine environment including all site management under CDM regulations and competency of Health and Safety compliance and safe practices. Contractors must also possess at least five years’ experience working within a marine environment. Contractors who do not provide suitable and sufficient evidence of this will not be considered
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
KBS Maritime needs to replace 10 old penstock doors (metal gates that control seawater flow) across 6 chambers at B Lock in Portsmouth Naval Base. The work involves designing, manufacturing, and installing new penstocks to replace cast iron doors, along with all the associated equipment like shafts, brackets, and ladders, starting in Q4 2026 and finishing by February 2030.
Requirements
- Proven experience designing, manufacturing, and installing penstocks in marine environments (mandatory)
- Minimum 5 years' experience working in a marine environment (non-negotiable — lack of evidence will disqualify you)
- Full site management capability under CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations
- Demonstrated competency in Health and Safety compliance and safe working practices
- Ability to work on penstocks ranging from 8 metres deep (levelling penstocks) to 18 metres deep (drainage penstocks)
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Design specifications for 10 replacement penstock doors to be agreed with the client
- Manufacture 10 new penstock doors to replace existing cast iron doors
- Supply and install associated components: shafts, wedges, door nuts, brackets, platforms, ladders, and actuation mechanisms
- Supply and install road plates
- Manage all site operations under CDM regulations
- Complete full replacement programme across all 6 chambers by February 2030
- Oversee health and safety compliance throughout the project
How to Read This Tender
- 1CDM regulations are crucial here — this is construction work on a naval base, so understand that you'll need a competent H&S team and formal CDM documentation. If you're unfamiliar with CDM, budget for specialist support or partner with someone who has done it.
- 2The '5 years in marine environment' requirement is a hard gate — they will reject you without clear evidence. Start gathering project references, case studies, and testimonials now; vague claims won't work.
- 3Notice the timeline: Q4 2026 start, February 2030 finish (about 3.5 years). This is a long project with staged replacements across 6 chambers. Ask in the full tender documents about phasing — do all 10 penstocks get replaced simultaneously or in phases? This affects resource planning.
- 4The specification for the new doors is 'to be agreed' — this means you may need to submit design proposals or work collaboratively with KBS Maritime. Check the tender for how much design input is expected from you versus the client.
- 5This is a naval base — security clearance, site access restrictions, and compliance with military contractor standards may apply. Look for any mention of Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) or similar vetting in the full documents.
Tips for Small Businesses
- If you're an SME without 5 years of marine penstock experience, consider forming a consortium or subcontracting arrangement with a larger marine contractor who does. You could handle specific elements (e.g. platform/ladder installation, road plates) while they lead on penstock design and manufacturing. This lets you build marine credentials for future bids.
- Highlight any experience with water control systems, gate mechanisms, or infrastructure in naval/port environments — even if not identical to penstocks. Frame it in your bid to show transferable skills (e.g. 'Installed sea defence gates in [location]' demonstrates understanding of marine corrosion, tidal conditions, etc.).
- Social value is often scored in UK government contracts. Plan to explain how you'll use local labour, invest in apprenticeships, or reduce environmental impact. A 3.5-year project is a good opportunity to pitch a structured training programme for local engineers in marine engineering.
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Buyer Profile
KBS Maritime LtdKey Dates
Published
20 May 2026
Submission deadline
18 June 2026
Notice type
opportunity
Source
eu supply
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