Studying and Assessing the Benthic Response to Electrical Stimuli (SABRES)

National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC
Selective procedure
6 October 2026 to 31 October 2028

Research into how electromagnetic fields generated by high-voltage submarine cables affect seafloor organisms, with a focus on quantifying benthic responses to electrical stimuli. The notice highlights that field strength falls to background levels within tens of metres, while cable circuits extend for hundreds of kilometres; it cites approximately 1,800 km of cable circuit associated with Eastern Green Link projects as context.

Open the official notice

Awarded value: £860k; As published
Published: 6 October 2026; Find a Tender
Awarded: 6 October 2026; University of Southampton
Contract length: 25 months; Ends 31 October 2028

What the buyer is asking for

Marine environmental research and ecological assessment services investigating electromagnetic-field effects from high-voltage subsea cables on benthic organisms.

Lifecycle

Publishedon Find a Tender
6 October 2026
Contract awardedto University of Southampton
6 October 2026
Contract starts
6 October 2026
Contract ends
31 October 2028

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See the benthic surveys market: prices, buyers and who wins →

The buyer

Type: Other public body
Benthic surveys contracts, 24 months: 1
Open benthic surveys tenders: 0
Typical benthic surveys contract: £860k

See everything National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC buys →

How it compares

14.5× the typical benthic surveys contract (£59k).

Cite this contract

Link: https://bidskim.com/tender/3874233/studying-and-assessing-the-benthic-response-to-electrical-stimuli-sabres
Buyer reference: Not published
Open contracting ID: ocds-h6vhtk-07817a
Source: Find a Tender
Last checked: 12 October 2026

National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC. Studying and Assessing the Benthic Response to Electrical Stimuli (SABRES). Contract award, 6 October 2026. BidSkim, https://bidskim.com/tender/3874233/studying-and-assessing-the-benthic-response-to-electrical-stimuli-sabres (accessed 12 October 2026).