Custom Solar has won a tender from Associated British Ports (ABP) to install solar under a three-year framework agreement.

ABP is planning a major roll out of the technology across various ports and under the agreement Custom Solar will help in identifying suitable development sites whilst also providing consultancy, design, installation and operation and maintenance services.

ABP currently has around 8MW of solar installed across 15 of its ports in the UK, however the new framework will see this grow significantly with an initial 4.5MW to be installed by March 2018.

Custom Solar was chosen following a competitive tender process and Gary Sucharewycz, new business director at Custom Solar, said it “outlined the level of service, experience and technical capability” it had to offer.

“It’s also fantastic to be working with such a prestigious client, which not only has ambitions to minimise the environmental impact of its operations but has also seriously considered the major benefit of securitising supply,” he added.

Chris Garton, director of asset management at ABP, said its existing solar generation had already had a “major impact” in reducing its emissions and the cost of its energy.

“Together with Custom Solar we will identify and implement numerous new schemes as we go forward,” Garton added.

The ABP tender win caps off what Custom Solar managing director Matthew Brailsford heralded as a “very positive year” for the firm, one that has seen it deliver various commercial projects, secure framework positions and increase its standing in the O&M market.

“This has provided solid financial stability for the company via long term revenue streams and enabled a platform for us to develop our activities into other technology such as battery storage and electric charge points.

“Securing a framework contract with such a major organisation such as ABP is a real testament to the dedicated and detailed work of our team and enhances the strength and stability of our company,” Brailsford said.