Offshore engineering company Osbit, a member of the Venterra Group, has been awarded a contract by leading power cable manufacturer NKT to design and build the NKT T3600 — one of the most powerful subsea cable trenchers ever developed.
This state-of-the-art trencher will play a vital role in connecting offshore renewable energy projects to onshore grids, enabling the efficient transmission of clean energy. The project also underscores the UK’s global leadership in the design and manufacture of advanced offshore wind technology.
The Osbit NKT T3600 trencher, delivering 3,600 horsepower and equipped with dual jetting and cutting tools, is engineered to bury high-voltage power cables at depths of up to 5.5 metres below the seabed. This capability will provide enhanced protection for Europe’s critical power infrastructure, addressing the growing need to safeguard energy supplies against accidental damage and threats such as sabotage. The system, designed and manufactured in the UK, will be delivered with a dedicated Osbit Launch and Recovery System (LARS) to ensure safe and efficient operations and is expected to be commercially operational by 2027.
Robbie Blakeman, Joint MD of Osbit, 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.”
This milestone for Osbit is emblematic of the broader success and ambition of Venterra Group, which is building a global champion in offshore wind services. Venterra’s strategy is rooted in the belief that the UK, and particularly the North East of England, is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution globally, delivering not only technical leadership but also significant economic growth and job creation.
The North East’s Energi Coast is the UK’s leading offshore wind cluster, located within 24 hours of 80% of UK offshore wind farms, making it a prime hub for next-generation energy infrastructure. Venterra’s investment in the region highlights its support for regional growth and the UK’s “Build it in Britain” initiative.
Ed Daniels, CEO of Venterra Group, commented: “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.”
