North East Firm Secures Major Contract for Advanced Subsea Trencher

A North East company, Osbit Ltd, has been awarded a significant contract by Danish power cable firm NKT to design and build one of the world's most advanced subsea trenchers. The NKT T3600 trencher, engineered at Osbit's facility in Northumberland, will be capable of burying high-voltage power cables up to 5.5 metres deep, outperforming existing models. This project represents a major investment in the region's clean energy economy and demonstrates the North East's expertise in offshore engineering.

Key Takeaways:

• Osbit Ltd has secured a major contract with NKT to design and build the NKT T3600 subsea trencher, a cutting-edge piece of equipment that will play a vital role in protecting Europe's offshore energy network.
• The T3600 trencher will be capable of burying high-voltage power cables up to 5.5 metres deep, significantly deeper than existing models.
• The project represents a major investment in the region's clean energy economy, creating 33 new skilled jobs and providing opportunities for further growth across the supply chain.
• Osbit is a key player in the North East's offshore energy sector, leading in engineering excellence and innovation.
• The T3600 trencher's construction, from design to assembly and testing, will take place entirely in Blyth, highlighting the region's expertise in offshore engineering.
• Robbie Blakeman, joint managing director at Osbit, emphasized the importance of the project, stating that every component built in the North East will contribute to a bigger story of innovation and cleaner, safer energy.
• Joanna Leng, chief executive of NOF, praised Osbit's achievement, reinforcing the North East's leadership in offshore energy.
• Tony Quinn, chair of Energi Coast, welcomed the news, highlighting the project's contributions to both energy security and economic growth.

Statistics:

• The NKT T3600 trencher will be capable of burying high-voltage power cables up to 5.5 metres deep.
• The project has created 33 new skilled jobs at Osbit's facility in Blyth.
• The construction of the T3600 trencher will take place entirely in Blyth, demonstrating the region's expertise in offshore engineering.
• The project represents a major investment in the North East's clean energy economy and offshore energy sector.

Sources:

• "North East firm secures major contract to design and build cutting-edge subsea trencher" by Gavin Engelbrecht, Energi Coast, no date mentioned in source
• Quote from Robbie Blakeman, joint managing director at Osbit Ltd
• Quote from Joanna Leng, chief executive of NOF
• Quote from Tony Quinn, chair of Energi Coast