Contractors are lining up to bid for a £30m high-tech container storage shed project at the vast London Gateway docks.

London Gateway Port has just invited bids to deliver its gound-breaking 12-storey automated empty container stacking facility at the Thurrock terminal.

The next-generation BOXBAY storage scheme will see the shed structure rise to around 55m, stretching 323m long and 159m wide across the existing MT Park area.

The job combines heavy civils, deep foundations and a major structural steel package, with more than 15,000 tonnes of steelwork required alongside 50,000m² of cladding and a 46,500m² roof.

Groundworks will be equally demanding, with over 5,000 precast piles — each around 28m long — needed to support a 1.2m deep reinforced concrete raft.

The contractor will also deliver full infrastructure works including drainage, power, firewater and IT systems, alongside heavy-duty pavements and ancillary buildings.

A key challenge will be delivering the works within a fully operational port terminal, requiring tight logistics, sequencing and safety controls.

The structure will house 15 automated storage retrieval machines running on 3km of rail, although the systems themselves will be supplied separately.

Procurement is being run under a competitive flexible procedure, starting with a selection stage before shortlisted bidders are invited to tender and negotiate.

Final bids will be assessed on a 60:40 price to quality split, with contract award expected in July.

The two-year build is due to start on site later that month.

Contractors must submit requests to participate by 29 April. Click here.