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A project to build one of the world’s largest pipe laying systems has reached a major milestone with the arrival of the main tower section at Port of Blyth.

The structure, designed by IHC Engineering Business, part of Royal IHC, and weighing almost 1,000 tonnes, has been shipped in from The Netherlands.

It was transferred to IHC Engineering Businesses’ main UK manufacturing and assembly facility based in Port of Blyth’s South Harbour Terminal using specialist transport units.

IHC Engineering Business will complete the eventual 2,500 tonne pipe laying system at the facility in early 2017. It will ultimately form part of a large deep-sea offshore construction vessel.

IHC EB managing director, Paul Hardisty, stated: ”The J-Lay project is enormously important to us and we are proud to have reached this critical milestone. This is the first major project we will execute at the Port of Blyth. It will pave the way for other major works that we will complete in 2016. The establishment of our new facility is a major landmark in the development of IHC and is clear evidence of our commitment to manufacturing in the North East. We are grateful for the excellent support received from the Port of Blyth team.”

Port chief executive, Martin Lawlor, said: “We are delighted to see the arrival of this major structure as part of a significant project for both the Port and IHC EB. This demonstrates the close working relationship between our two companies and is another example of the Port’s emergence as a major offshore energy hub.”