Newcastle start-up receives funding for new offshore support craft

Newcastle-based start-up, Trident Dynamics, has received funding to support the development of a new range of modular support craft capable of remaining resident onsite at offshore installations to provide remotely controlled inspection and light intervention both above and below the waterline. 

Kate Lovelock, Director of Business Development for Trident Dynamics Limited, explained: “All aspects of these craft have environmentally positive credentials from manufacture to end of life.  All our products are designed to work with nature rather than negatively affect it.” 

The project received a share of £1.7million in match funding through the first round of the TIGGOR programme’s technology demonstration strand, funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA). NTCA has partnered with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, which is delivering the programme on its behalf.

Testing of the new product will occur both in the lab with Newcastle University and on open water with ORE Catapult in Blyth. 

“The award of a TIGGOR grant has given us the ability to explore a range of material and process options and to conduct extensive testing.  This funding will enable us to focus on developing next generation offshore renewable energy support products designed to have minimal environmental impact throughout the products’ entire lifecycle,” said Kate Lovelock. 

“As a start-up, financial assistance is critical.  Access to ORE Catapult staff has been extremely beneficial as they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise which is complementary to ours.  Also, the ORE Catapult has a wide array of excellent facilities and resources that provide us with theoretical and practical capabilities we simple could not hope to gain access to without their assistance,” she added. 

Find out more about the TIGGOR programme here

Trident Dynamics is just one of hundreds of organisations helping the North East reach its net zero targets and make a difference on a global scale. 

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