A joint venture comprising VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and AtkinsRéalis has been selected by the Environment Agency to help deliver major coastal protection and beach management projects across England under a framework worth more than £1.2 billion.
Operating under the VBA banner, the partnership has been named as one of the agency’s delivery contractors for a programme that will run until May 2034, with the potential for a further two-year extension.
The framework, valued at approximately £1.227 billion, forms part of the Environment Agency’s long-term strategy to tackle the increasing risks posed by coastal erosion, flooding and climate change. As rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events continue to threaten coastal communities, the programme will support efforts to improve resilience along England’s shoreline.
Works delivered through the framework are expected to include replenishing beaches with sand and shingle, recycling sediment within coastal systems and maintaining existing sea defences. These activities are designed to reduce erosion and provide greater protection for homes, businesses, transport networks and critical infrastructure located in vulnerable coastal areas.
The Environment Agency uses framework agreements to appoint specialist contractors capable of delivering both planned schemes and emergency response works. Under the latest arrangement, VBA will be eligible to undertake projects developed through the agency’s national beach management programme.
John Cox, Director at VBA, welcomed the appointment, saying:
“We are incredibly proud to be appointed as one of two contractors on the Environment Agency’s Beach Management Framework.
“This award reflects the strength of our long-standing, collaborative relationship with the Environment Agency, built over many years of successful project and programme delivery.
“Coastal protection is an area where VBA has deep, proven expertise and being trusted to continue this vital work is testament to the dedication and technical excellence of our teams.
“We look forward to supporting the Environment Agency and other risk management authorities in safeguarding communities, strengthening coastal resilience and delivering high-quality beach management services for the years ahead.”
AtkinsRéalis, one of the three partners within the joint venture, also highlighted the significance of the award and the longstanding relationship between VBA and the Environment Agency.
Richard Whale, Market Director for Water at AtkinsRéalis, said:
“AtkinsRéalis is delighted to be working alongside VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster on the Environment Agency’s new Beach Management Framework.
“The VBA joint venture, established in 2013, has built a strong and successful partnership with the Environment Agency through the Water and Environment and Marine and Coastal frameworks. We are proud to continue this collaboration, supporting delivery of the Beach Management Framework over the next eight years.
“Working in partnership with the Environment Agency through the Beach Management Framework allows us to deliver resilient, sustainable coastal solutions, protecting communities while enhancing the natural environment and driving long-term value.”
The appointment reinforces VBA’s position in the UK coastal engineering sector and ensures the consortium will play a key role in delivering future shoreline protection projects aimed at safeguarding communities and infrastructure from the growing impacts of climate change.
