Leiths

We are pleased to announce the recent collaboration between Leiths and Breedon to form the Joint Venture company – Northern Quarry Products (NQP) Ltd.

NQP was formed to tender for the concrete supply package to the Aberdeen Harbour Expansion Project (AHEP)

With the former principal contractor Dragados departing from the contract midway through the construction phase, Aberdeen Harbour Board (AHB) started the process of re-tendering the outstanding work packages.

Supply of the remaining concrete to the project was one such package. At an early stage it was clear the extent of the supply contract was significant to a point where it would challenge any single supplier. Both Leiths and Breedon made early representation to AHB promoting the benefits of pulling on the resources and expertise of both companies to enable the challenging technical and supply requirements of the contract to be met.

A joint bid was subsequently submitted, and we were delighted to be named as the successful supplier for the works. In all, there is circa 125,000m³ of concrete to be supplied to multiple areas of the project.

The two most demanding sections are the supply of 45,000m³ for the construction of the crown wall which runs down the full length of the North Breakwater. The crown wall protects the harbour from the aggressive North Sea overtopping the breakwater.

The other critical demand is for some 22,000m³ to be supplied to the onsite accropode factory. Accropodes are used as the final protective layer interlocking on the slopes of the breakwaters.

Although both companies have multiple concrete plants located throughout Aberdeen, establishing a plant and distribution hub on site was a key aspect for the successful delivery of this contract.

                                                   Mobile Concrete Plant

Site works started in late January for the arrival of the mobile concrete plant and after 2 weeks erection NQP now have a fully operational and commissioned plant ready for the supply to commence late March 2021. The plant is also supported with 6 on site mixers and a mobile laboratory.

Having the onsite plant backed up with concrete plants located at Blackhills Quarry and Tullos in Altens, gives us tremendous capacity to meet what is expected to be a demanding supply contract.

The collective resources our organisations bring, including the talent of our people, will be pivotal in building a facility of excellence for Aberdeen Harbour Board.