Member News
Blyth-built subsea trencher to play vital role in protecting energy grid.
A global renewable energy milestone is being driven by local hands, as North East engineering company Osbit Ltd secures a major contract with Danish power cable firm NKT to design and build one of the world’s most advanced subsea trenchers right here in Blyth.
The NKT T3600 trencher, engineered in Northumberland, will be capable of burying high-voltage power cables to depths of 5.5 metres - significantly deeper than legacy trenchers. This trencher will provide critical protection for Europe’s expanding offshore energy network, reinforcing energy security as a priority at a time of increased offshore activity and geopolitical risk.
Built at Osbit’s new Port of Blyth facility, the project represents a major investment in the North East’s clean energy economy. The company has already created 33 new skilled roles since the opening of this new site, with further opportunities expected across the regional supply chain as the build progresses.
Robbie Blakeman, Joint Managing Director at Osbit, said:
“Delivering the NKT T3600 from Blyth is a huge achievement for our team and for the region’s offshore engineering sector. We’re drawing on the North East’s deep maritime heritage and world-class technical expertise to deliver equipment that strengthens energy resilience across Europe. Every component built here is part of a bigger story - one where North East innovation helps power the world’s shift to cleaner, safer energy.”
Since opening its new Build and Service Facility, Osbit has scaled up to meet growing international demand, reinforcing the North East’s position as a global hub for offshore energy technology and manufacturing excellence.
From design to assembly and testing, every stage of the T3600’s construction will be completed locally, ensuring that the benefits of this major international project are directly felt across the region — in local workshops, with local suppliers, and among the skilled engineers building the future of clean energy in Blyth.
Joanna Leng CEO NOF: “Long term NOF member Osbit, part of the Venterra group securing such an important contract with NKT reinforces the message that the North East of England continues to lead the way in offshore energy. Osbit is a key player in our regional world class supply chain and leads the way in engineering excellence and innovation. The region has a strong heritage in engineering and manufacturing across many industrial sectors, and the continued evolution of our local energy sector supply chain means North East England has a major role to play in the UK’s energy transition journey and indeed our energy security through successful businesses such as Osbit.”
Tony Quinn, Chair, Energi Coast: “I’m delighted to see Osbit secure this contract from NKT, a very clear endorsement of their world leading engineering capability. From a UK perspective, this cutting edge installation technique will make an important contribution toward energy security, not to mention economic growth and net zero. From a North East perspective it is another example of our highly innovative Offshore Wind Cluster leading the way.”
