Decision details

Annual maintenance dredging is required at Bridport (West Bay) Harbour to maintain safe navigable depths and support the continued operation of the harbour.

It is proposed to procure a five-year contract for annual dredging from 2027 to 2031, with an estimated total value of between £800,000 and £1 million. Due to the anticipated total contract value, Cabinet approval is required before the procurement process can commence. The five-year contract is the preferred approach. However, if it is not practicable to complete that procurement in time for the March 2027 dredging campaign, approval will also be sought to procure a single-year contract for 2027 as an interim measure.

(a)               That the procurement of a five-year contract for annual maintenance dredging at Bridport (West Bay) Harbour from 2027 to 2031, be approved.

(b)               That Cabinet approves, as a contingency, the procurement of a single-year contract for the 2027 dredging campaign if it is not practicable to complete the preferred five-year procurement within the required timeframe.

(c)               That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Economy & Environment, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Place Services, to take all necessary steps to procure and award the contract(s) in accordance with the above approvals.

Reason for the decision

As the Statutory Harbour Authority, Dorset Council was responsible for the safe management of Bridport (West Bay) Harbour. Sediment build-up could reduce navigable depths and affect safe access, so regular maintenance dredging was essential to meet the Council’s obligations under the Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code and Marine Safety Management System. A competitively procured five-year dredging arrangement would help ensure these works were delivered reliably, provide better value for money, and strengthen operational resilience.