The single-lot national deal will run for six years from May 2026, with an option to extend for a further two years.

Work will involve routine and emergency beach replenishment, shingle redistribution, and coastal defence maintenance along England’s vulnerable coastlines.

Specialist contractors will be tasked with moving huge volumes of shingle, importing marine-dredged and land-sourced materials, placing rock armour, and responding to severe weather incidents.

A market sounding exercise last year confirmed strong appetite for the extended contract term, designed to give bidders confidence to invest in vessels, kit, and skilled staff.

Firms have until 19 September 2025 to submit bids via the DEFRA procurement portal.