Mitie has been awarded a contract extension by Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading ports group, for an additional year, extending their security services delivery to 17 ports across the UK. The original three-year contract was granted to Mitie in 2021, and this extension will now take it to 2025.
The contract extension enables Mitie to continue providing advanced manned guarding services throughout ABP sites, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo arriving and departing from the UK. Mitie’s highly trained officers use the latest technology to maintain a secure environment across ABP’s estate. At many sites, Mitie personnel control access gate barriers, conduct patrols, perform vehicle searches, and monitor CCTV to prevent potential criminal activities or anti-social behavior. Additionally, Mitie’s Customer Service teams working at cruise terminals are responsible for ensuring passengers have a smooth and safe journey, from their arrival at the port to their departure from the airbridge. These teams use state-of-the-art passenger and baggage screening equipment to ensure all travelers undergo security checks before boarding. They also handle traffic control and conduct vehicle searches for supplies being delivered to ships.
Building on their existing strategic partnership, Mitie will continue to introduce innovative technology and approaches. For example, they are implementing automated entry gates and utilizing industry-leading intelligence capabilities to analyze data, monitor trends, and conduct proactive risk assessments to enhance ABP’s site security.
Given that a significant portion (25%) of the UK’s seaborne trade, amounting to over £150 billion, goes through ABP ports annually, these security services play a crucial role in securing and safeguarding the smooth operation of supply chains for thousands of businesses. Mitie currently employs around 600 colleagues across the 17 ABP sites, with the Port of Southampton, Europe’s primary cruise turnaround port, being a notable highlight, welcoming approximately two million passengers every year.
In addition to their security services, Mitie also supports sustainability efforts at ABP sites. One example is the Horizon Cruise Terminal in Southampton, featuring the UK’s first ‘shore power’ facility for cruise ships. The terminal is equipped with 2,234 roof-mounted solar panels installed by Mitie’s specialist solar installation company, Custom Solar. These solar panels provide electricity for ships while they are docked, helping to reduce emissions before they set sail.
Of this news, Jason Towse, Mitie MD, 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, added, “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.”