Harlyn Solutions, in partnership with Newcastle University, is celebrating a North East success story that highlights the strength of collaboration between industry and academia, and the exceptional graduates emerging from the university who are now excelling within the company.
Newcastle University is one of the UK’s leading centres for engineering education and research, ranked among the top universities globally and recognised for its world-class teaching, cutting-edge research, and strong partnerships with industry. The School of Engineering is home to some of the UK’s most respected professors and researchers, ensuring that students learn directly from experts working at the forefront of industry knowledge and technological innovation.
The University continues to invest in modern teaching and research facilities, giving students hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced simulation environments, and high-specification design suites. This blend of academic excellence and practical application has established Newcastle’s reputation for producing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also adaptable and ready to contribute to fast-moving sectors such as offshore logistics.
Harlyn Solutions already employs a number of Newcastle University graduates, reflecting the strength of this long-standing connection. As a company rooted in Northumberland, we are proud to support and develop this local talent pipeline. Based at the Port of Blyth, we work closely with UK suppliers and remain committed to strengthening the region’s contribution to the global offshore logistics sector.
In the months ahead, Harlyn Solutions will be moving into a new office at the Port of Blyth, further consolidating their presence in the Northeast while continuing to grow internationally, following the successful opening of their Rotterdam office earlier this year. By drawing on the skills and ambition of Newcastle University graduates, we are helping to retain talent within the region while also offering opportunities to engage with international markets.
Graduate Story
Fergus graduated from Newcastle University in 2024 with First Class Honours in Marine Engineering, where he built a strong foundation across a wide range of disciplines and gained valuable exposure to engineering practices and commercial awareness.
He first joined Harlyn in 2023 as a part-time intern, where he experienced the full spectrum of their work — from in-office design and planning through to hands-on site operations. His dedication, curiosity, and strong work ethic quickly stood out, and in 2024 he transitioned into a full-time graduate role.
Since then, Fergus has contributed to projects across the UK, travelled to Europe and the USA, and cemented himself as a valued member of the team. Alongside his technical ability, he has shown real strength of character — bringing energy, reliability, and a collaborative approach to every project.
Looking ahead, Fergus is eager to continue his development by gaining wider experience across engineering, project management, and commercial scopes. His ambition is to grow into a well-rounded professional capable of supporting complex operations while driving innovation and ensuring the highest standards of safety and performance in heavy lift technologies.
Fergus’s story reflects not only his own commitment and progress but also the value of their strong relationship with Newcastle University, which continues to be a vital source of talent and innovation for Harlyn.
Harlyn provides graduates with more than just their first role—it offers a career pathway. Engineers like Jack, a Newcastle University graduate who has been with us for four years, exemplify this. Jack has contributed to projects with a truly global footprint, helping shape offshore operations at an international scale.
Jack Coulson – Harlyn Project Engineer (Formerly Graduate)
“Graduating from Newcastle University in 2021 with a Master’s in Engineering, First Class Honours, gave me the strong academic foundation I needed to step confidently into the engineering world. The course provided a breadth of knowledge and technical understanding that prepared me to take on real-world challenges straight away.”
“Joining Harlyn allowed me to build on that foundation and quickly develop into specialist areas. I’ve had the opportunity to deliver full engineering scopes covering seafastening, stow plans, heavy lift, and turnkey projects, working across a range of complex operations.”
“In just a few years, I’ve progressed from university classrooms to engineering the transport of 1,500-tonne structures and contributing to some of the company’s biggest global projects. The combination of Newcastle University’s setup and Harlyn’s hands-on development has been invaluable in shaping my career.
At Harlyn, graduates can expect:
- Opportunities to move across different teams (Projects & Commercial) to broaden experience.
- Early responsibility and leadership opportunities.
- Global exposure, including travel and collaboration with major offshore suppliers.
- Mentorship from senior engineers, ensuring technical knowledge and leadership skills grow in parallel.
Harlyn’s commitment to taking on graduates isn’t short-term—it’s part of their long-term growth strategy. By nurturing raw new talent into fully fledged engineers, we are not only securing the future of our company but also contributing to the health of the wider offshore engineering industry. This investment also strengthens Newcastle University’s reputation, as its graduates continue to succeed and lead within high-impact engineering sectors.
At the heart of this partnership is people—driven graduates, experienced mentors, and a shared passion for engineering. By welcoming Newcastle University alumni into their ranks, Harlyn is able to channel their fresh energy and ideas into solving the latest challenges in offshore logistics.
Harlyn’s engineers don’t just work on problems; they collaborate, innovate, and grow together. From building teamwork in local offices to representing the company on international projects, they gain experiences that shape them as professionals and as people. And in turn, they help Harlyn thrive as a company built on collaboration, and engineering excellence.
