Mitie docks contract extension with Associated British Ports

• Mitie has secured an extension to its contract with Associated British Ports (ABP) for a further year

• The contract sees Mitie deliver a range of security services to 17 ports across the UK

• Mitie also supports ABP with its sustainability commitments, including the installation of a large-scale solar PV project at the Port of Southampton

Mitie has secured an extension to its contract with Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading ports group, for a further year, delivering security services to 17 ports across the UK. The current three-year contract was awarded to Mitie in 2021, with this extension taking it to 2025.

The contract extension will see Mitie continue to deliver advanced manned guarding services across ABP sites, supporting the safety of passengers and cargo departing and arriving in the UK. Mitie’s highly trained officers are equipped with the latest technology to ensure a safer environment across ABP’s estate. At most sites Mitie colleagues control access gate barriers, as well as carry out patrols, vehicle searches, and CCTV monitoring to prevent potential crime or anti-social activity. In addition to this, Mitie’s Customer Service teams working at cruise terminals are responsible for ensuring passengers enjoy a smooth and safe journey from the moment they set foot on the port through to waving them off from the airbridge. Equipped with state-of-the-art passenger and baggage screening equipment, Mitie colleagues ensure all travellers undergo security checks before boarding. On top of screening, they also conduct traffic control, as well as searching vehicles delivering supplies to ships.

Building on this ongoing strategic partnership, Mitie will continue to introduce innovative technology and ways of working. For example, in addition to its exceptional people, Mitie is also safeguarding ABP sites using a range of technology, including the implementation of automated entry gates. Mitie’s commitment to innovation also extends to its industry leading intelligence capabilities, with the Mitie team continually analysing data, monitoring trends, and creating proactive risk assessments to identify any potential vulnerabilities and enhance ABP’s site security.

With a quarter (25%) of the UK’s seaborne trade, and over £150bn of trade running through ABP ports every year, these services are essential to securing and safeguarding the smooth operation of supply chains for thousands of businesses. With around 600 colleagues working across 17 ABP sites, Mitie is delivering these services across the nation, headlined by the Port of Southampton, Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port welcoming around two million passengers annually.

In addition to security, Mitie also supports sustainability at ABP sites. For example, Southampton’s Horizon Cruise Terminal is home to the UK’s first ‘shore power’ facility for cruise ships. The terminal has 2,234 roof-mounted solar panels, all of which were installed by Custom Solar, Mitie’s specialist solar installation company. These solar panels provide electricity for ships to gain essential power supplies while docked, before setting sail.

Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie, said:

“The extension of this contract is a reflection of the excellent relationship we’ve built with ABP over the past two years, as our teams have worked hard to protect travelling passengers and essential trade taking place at UK ports. We’re proud to continue our support for ABP in keeping the UK’s maritime sector moving.”

Andy Billings, Group Head of Security, Associated British Ports, said:

“Safe and secure ports are a critical foundation for ABP’s role as the UK’s leading port operator. Our renewed, enhanced relationship with Mitie builds on the good work done over the previous contract. We also value Mitie’s broader sustainability credentials, given our recently launched Ready for Tomorrow strategy and commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2040 at the latest. We look forward to further developing our relationship with Mitie, introducing more innovation and capabilities from intelligence gathering to automation.”