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SCAPE Utilities Works and Services framework supports major repairs to South Gare Breakwater

South Gare Breakwater repairs Mc Laughlin Harvey

Mon, 19th Oct, 2026 Updated: Tue, 27th Oct, 2026

PD Ports has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey through the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services framework to deliver major repair and protection works to the South Gare Breakwater at the mouth of the Tees Estuary.

The project will strengthen the existing breakwater and improve its long-term resilience against extreme storm events. The structure protects the entrance to the estuary and shelters key infrastructure, including the Grade II-listed South Gare Lighthouse and radar assets.

The main construction works will involve strengthening the existing breakwater by placing large quantities of rock armour, along with specially designed precast concrete armour units.

Marine logistics form a key part of the delivery strategy, with the majority of rock transported by sea and barge to minimise construction traffic on the local road network and reduce the interface between construction activities and the public.

Through the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services framework, PD Ports was able to engage with McLaughlin & Harvey during the early stages of the scheme, enabling the teams to collaboratively develop the design, construction methodology, programme and cost before progressing into construction.

“It is fantastic to see work get underway on this significant project, which will strengthen and safeguard the existing infrastructure of the Tees Estuary. The complexity of the project required early contractor involvement and collaboration from the outset."

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE

Mark Robinson continued: "Through the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services framework, we worked closely with McLaughlin & Harvey and PD Ports to not only provide early contractor engagement but deliver an efficient, compliant route to market as well.”

South Gare Breakwater repairs Mc Laughlin Harvey 2 — Image credit: McLaughlin & Harvey

“The South Gare breakwater is a vital piece of infrastructure for the safe and effective operations of Teesport, which in turn supports thousands of jobs and generates £1.4bn for the Teesside economy each year. Working with McLaughlin & Harvey through the SCAPE framework has enabled us to develop a robust solution to protect the breakwater and move efficiently into construction."

Mark Pearson, PD Ports Group Projects Director

Mark Pearson continued: "This investment will improve the breakwater’s long-term resilience, helping to protect the estuary and the important assets it supports for years to come.”

"We have sourced up to 20,000 tonnes of rock from Rekefjord, in Norway, for the project and will be transporting it across the North Sea to Teesport by barge. The first shipments have arrived on the Tees, marking an important milestone as construction activity gets underway in line with the programme of works."

Seamus Devlin, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey

Seamus Devlin continued: "Marine logistics form a key part of the delivery strategy, with the majority of rock transported by sea and barge to minimise construction traffic on the local road network and reduce the interface between construction activities and the public. The project has been procured through the SCAPE Utilities Work and Services Framework, which enabled PD Ports to engage with McLaughlin & Harvey during the early stages of the scheme and collaboratively develop the design, construction methodology, programme and cost before progressing into construction"

Once complete, the strengthened breakwater will help safeguard South Gare Lighthouse, radar assets and other vital infrastructure at the entrance to the Tees Estuary.

Find out more about McLaughlin & Harvey