Marine aggregate tender results

The Crown Estate has selected 12 seabed areas within English waters as potentially suitable for extraction.

These initial results from the 2021/2022 round that closed in January are an increase from the eight areas selected in the 2018/2019 tender round, reflecting the highest market interest for over a decade.

All of the areas are subject to the Habitats Regulations Assessment process, likely to end in early 2023. Successful bidders will be offered an initial six-year exploration and option agreements and be required to get a Marine Licence.

These aggregates are critical to building materials supply, contributing to around 25% of sand and gravel used across England and Wales and up to 50% in London.

Currently these seabed materials are being used for Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, the HS2 high-speed rail ine, and coastal protection between Mablethorpe and Skegness in Lincolnshire.