A SUBSEA engineering firm has secured a lucrative deal to make specialist craft for the oil and gas industry.

Ennsub, which has a plant in Sedgefield, County Durham, will supply two remote-operated vehicles for independent provider Rovop.

Bosses say the multi-million pound agreement will deliver machinery for the Ceona Amazon underwater pipe laying vessel, which is expected to start operations in January next year.

The contract comes after Rovop won a five-year deal with Ceona to provide hydraulic services on its fleet of pipe laying and construction vessels.

Last year, Ennsub invested £500,000 into its Sedgefield Netpark base, which includes product assembly and test facilities, and a 3D design theatre.

Scott Macknocher, Ennsub managing director, said the contract reflected the company's growing stature in the energy industry.

He said: “Our focus has been to develop industry-leading equipment and products reflecting the critical nature of reliable subsea operations.

“We believe this award recognises that ambition. “We are particularly pleased to be associated with Rovop, whose success is no coincidence given the experience of those involved and their approach to equipment and technology.”

Barry Stewart, Rovop director and general manager, said Ennsub's reputation made it an obvious choice to carry out the work.

He added: “The commitment between Rovop and Ceona is focused on using the most experienced and expert workers alongside the best technology, offering a major step change in the subsea construction market.

“Ennsub, through its innovative approach to the design and manufacturing of products, was a natural fit because they share our vision and values.

“It is an agile company that gains a thorough understanding of what its customers' need.”

WHAT IS THE CEONA AMAZON:

  • The vessel can lay rigid and flexible pipelines and install large subsea structures.
  • It has a heavy lift capacity of up to 800 tonnes, with two cranes working in tandem.
  • With a 5,500-tonne large under-deck storage capacity for pipes, the vessel can also accommodate up to 200 people.
  • Standing at 199.4 metres long, the Ceona Amazon's beam measures 32.2 metres.