Geophysical and Shallow Sub-Surface Survey Services at the Port of Port Talbot

Associated British Ports intends to award a utilities services contract for the delivery of geophysical and sub-surface survey works around Port Talbot.

The scope of the Services includes two survey campaigns split it to two phases, the initial contract award will encompass phase 1 (shallow sub-surface survey services). ABP intends to enter into a further contract for the execution of phase 2 (UXO and seismic survey. ABP reserves the right to modify the contract after initial award, in accordance with s31 and Schedule 8, for the additional phase 2 work.

The Scope of Services is comprised of:

Phase 1: Firm Scope, surveys anticipated August–October 2026

Reconnaissance geophysical survey to collect the following data :

• High-resolution bathymetric data.
• Sidescan sonar seabed reflectivity.
• Sub-bottom profiler data to image the shallow sub-surface (<10 m).
• Opportunistic magnetometer survey data.

The survey area extent is ~60 km2 in water depth range ~25 to 35 m below LAT, located approximately 10-15km from the coastline.

Phase 2: Optional Scope 2027

UXO and seismic survey to collect the following data over a refined area and an optimised Cable Corridor:

• Single channel seismic data to image the sub-surface to approximately 30 m below seafloor.
• High-resolution bathymetric data.
• Magnetometer data for UXO assessment purposes.