AN engineer has expanded its technology to help make container ships safer.

Hy-Dynamix is adapting existing container movement apparatus to create a weighing system.

Bosses say the move, which they hope will deliver a number of jobs, comes after new legislation was introduced to ensure ships are not overloaded.

The technology, known as Hy-Weigh, is due to be launched later this year.

Richard Bradley, finance director at Hy-Dynamix, which is part of the Dyer Engineering group, said the move could deliver significant benefits to customers and the local employment landscape.

He said: “There is a worldwide market. For new jobs, once we start production, we’ll be looking for five people.

“We aim to grow to a business of 30 people, from just three at the moment.”

He added Hy-Weigh will be made at Dyer Engineering’s site in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, County Durham.

Hy-Dynamix’s growth has received backing from support organisation RTC North and business solutions firm I2S.

Andrew Buckley, RTC North chief executive, said: “Hy-Dynamix is a fantastic example of how we work with ambitious local companies to help bring ideas to reality.

“New products and new jobs are key to the region’s economic confidence.”

David Boath, an expert at RTC North, worked with Hy-Dynamix to put together its product launch.

He added: “We took them through the business model canvas workshop to develop how the company would start to take the product to market.

“They needed a dealer network, international sales and customer support teams and maintenance guarantees.

“The business has now taken the strategy we developed with them to lenders to raise funding to put it in place.”