Offshore engineering company Osbit has secured a contract from power cable manufacturer NKT to design and build one of the world’s most powerful subsea trenchers, aimed at enhancing protection for critical European power infrastructure.
The NKT T3600 trencher will deliver 3,600 horsepower and be equipped with dual jetting and cutting tools to bury high-voltage cables up to 5.5 metres beneath the seabed. The system will be designed and constructed in the UK, with delivery planned for 2027. It will also include a dedicated launch and recovery system to ensure safe and efficient offshore operations.
Osbit, part of the Venterra Group, said the new trencher will play a key role in connecting offshore renewable energy projects to the grid and safeguarding cable integrity.
“This contract confirms Osbit’s world-class engineering and our commitment to supporting the energy transition through innovation and manufacturing excellence,” said Robbie Blakeman, Osbit joint managing director. He added that the project “will set new standards for cable protection and installation, underpinning the reliability and security of renewable energy grids across Europe.”
The contract marks a significant step for Venterra Group’s ambitions to grow its global offshore wind services business, with a focus on expanding clean energy manufacturing capacity in the UK’s North East industrial cluster known as Energi Coast.
Ed Daniels, Venterra chief executive, 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.”
He noted the trencher’s capability to bury cables deeper than previous systems “directly addresses the need for robust infrastructure in today’s challenging environment, ensuring secure, reliable connections for renewable power.”
The UK government aims to double investment in clean energy industries to over £30 billion annually by 2035, with initiatives such as Great British Energy’s £700 million fund to boost domestic manufacturing of key components.
Venterra said the Osbit contract exemplifies how government policy and private investment are aligned to deliver the UK’s “Build it in Britain” vision, creating skilled jobs and enhancing energy security.
