AtkinsRéalis JV secures major Environment Agency framework

A joint venture between AtkinsRéalis, VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster called VBA has been appointed by the Environment Agency as a delivery partner on a significant new national framework focused on beach management, coastal maintenance and flood‑risk reduction. 

The Beach Management framework, signed on 21 April, has an estimated value of £1.227bn and will run for six years with an optional two‑year extension, covering the period from June 2026 to May 2034. It forms a central part of the Environment Agency’s long‑term strategy to protect England’s coastline from the increasing impacts of climate change, sea‑level rise and extreme weather. 

Under the framework, VBA will deliver a wide range of coastal interventions, including beach recharge, sediment recycling and ongoing maintenance works designed to reduce erosion and strengthen natural flood defences. These activities play a critical role in safeguarding homes, businesses, transport links and vital infrastructure in some of the country’s most exposed coastal locations. 

John Cox, VBA Director said: “We are incredibly proud to be appointed as one of two contractors on the Environment Agency’s Beach Management Framework. This award reflects the strength of our long‑standing, collaborative relationship with the Environment Agency, built over many years of successful project and programme delivery. Coastal protection is an area where VBA has deep, proven expertise and being trusted to continue this vital work is testament to the dedication and technical excellence of our teams.  

We look forward to supporting the Environment Agency and other Risk Management Authorities in safeguarding communities, strengthening coastal resilience and delivering high‑quality beach management services for the years ahead.” 

Richard Whale, Market Director, Water, AtkinsRéalis said: “AtkinsRéalis is delighted to be working alongside VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster on the Environment Agency’s new Beach Management Framework (BMF). 

"The VBA Joint Venture, established in 2013, has built a strong and successful partnership with the Environment Agency through the Water and Environment and Marine and Coastal frameworks. We are proud to continue this collaboration, supporting delivery of the BMF over the next eight years. 

"Working in partnership with the Environment Agency through the BMF allows us to deliver resilient, sustainable coastal solutions, protecting communities while enhancing the natural environment and driving long-term value." 

The appointment reinforces VBA’s position as one of the UK’s leading coastal engineering and flood‑risk management partners, building on decades of experience delivering complex marine and coastal projects. 

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital advisory services. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services and Nuclear, as steward of CANDU® nuclear technology. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.