Offshore engineering specialist Osbit has secured a major contract from power cable company NKT to design and build one of the world’s most powerful subsea trenchers.
The NKT T3600, delivering 3600 horsepower and equipped with dual jetting and cutting tools, will be engineered to bury high-voltage power cables at depths of up to 5.5 metres below the seabed.
Osbit, part of Venterra Group, said the next-generation system will enhance protection for Europe’s critical power infrastructure and play a key role in connecting offshore renewable energy projects to the grid.
The trencher will be designed and built in the UK and delivered with a dedicated Osbit launch and recovery system for safe and efficient operations. It is expected to enter commercial service in 2027.
Osbit joint managing director Robbie Blakeman said: “This contract confirms Osbit’s world-class engineering and our commitment to supporting the energy transition through innovation and manufacturing excellence. Over the past 15 years, drawing on the rich maritime and engineering heritage of the North East of England, Osbit has developed an extensive modular technology portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the offshore energy sector. The NKT T3600 will set new standards for cable protection and installation, underpinning the reliability and security of renewable energy grids across Europe. We are proud to deliver this project from our new facility at the Port of Blyth, creating specialist jobs and contributing to the region’s industrial resurgence.”
The award marks a significant milestone for Venterra Group, which is building a global offshore wind services business headquartered in the UK.
Venterra said the project reinforces its long-term strategy to scale up clean energy manufacturing capacity and strengthen regional industrial hubs such as North East England’s Energi Coast cluster.
Venterra chief executive Ed Daniels said: “We are delighted by NKT’s recognition of Osbit as a world-leading design, engineering, and manufacturing company. This contract not only demonstrates Osbit’s technical excellence but also the strategic importance of continued government investment in UK manufacturing to deliver energy security and support the global energy transition. The T3600 trencher’s ability to bury cables deeper than ever before directly addresses the need for robust infrastructure in today’s challenging environment, ensuring secure, reliable connections for renewable power. Four of Venterra’s companies are located in the North East and our continued investment in the region reflects our belief in its potential as a powerhouse for clean energy jobs and innovation. Winning contracts like this directly supports our vision to make Venterra a world-leading wind services champion, driving industry progress and delivering best-in-class solutions for the renewable sector.”
The UK government has set a target to double investment in clean energy industries to more than £30bn per year by 2035, with Great British Energy allocating £700m to boost domestic manufacturing of key components.
Venterra said the Osbit contract exemplifies how government policy and private investment are working together to deliver the UK’s “Build it in Britain” vision, creating skilled jobs and advancing energy security.