Van Oord secures position on England’s coastal protection framework

Dutch marine contractor strengthens long-term partnership with the Environment Agency

Dutch marine contractor Van Oord has secured one of two positions on the Environment Agency’s specialist Beach Management Framework, reinforcing its role in the delivery of coastal protection and beach maintenance projects across England.

The framework is designed to support the long-term management of vulnerable coastal areas exposed to erosion and flood risk. Through the programme, contractors will provide specialist marine resources and coastal engineering capabilities aimed at protecting residential areas, businesses and public infrastructure along the English coastline.

Six-year framework with extension option

The agreement has an initial six-year term with an option for a further two-year extension, creating a significant long-term pipeline of work for the marine and coastal engineering sector.

Van Oord will deliver the projects with support from its UK subsidiary Mackley, which specialises in civil engineering and coastal infrastructure works.

- We are honoured that the Environment Agency has entrusted us with a place on its Beach Management Framework. Through this framework, we look forward to continuing and building upon our more than 25-year collaboration in delivering sustainable and innovative solutions that minimise coastal flood risk, said Paul Hesk, Managing Director of Van Oord UK.

Decades of experience in UK coastal defence

Van Oord has been working with the Environment Agency since the 1990s and has delivered a number of high-profile coastal protection projects in the UK during that period.

The company’s portfolio includes annual beach nourishment operations along the Lincolnshire coastline, the construction of offshore reefs at Happisburgh, and major multidisciplinary coastal defence schemes in Southwold, Felixstowe, Jaywick, Hythe, Dymchurch, Lydd and Broomhill Sands.

Such projects are becoming increasingly important as the UK continues to strengthen its climate adaptation strategy. Rising sea levels, stronger storm activity and accelerating coastal erosion are driving demand for large-scale coastal resilience investments.

Coastal resilience market continues to grow

For Van Oord, the framework appointment represents another strategic step in consolidating its position within the North European coastal engineering market.

The coastal protection segment is expected to remain one of the strongest growth areas in marine infrastructure over the coming years, supported by public-sector investment programmes focused on climate resilience, flood defence and sustainable shoreline management.

The UK market continues to offer long-term opportunities for international marine contractors, particularly in areas linked to beach nourishment, dredging and integrated coastal defence solutions.