This research center focuses on enhancing the security of submarine infrastructure in the North and Baltic Seas by conducting experiments, testing, and developing innovative techniques.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery by the end of Q1 2024.

SEA-KIT International, a longstanding collaborator with Fugro, specializes in the development of uncrewed surface vessels (USV) for maritime operations and research aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

The facility, once fully operational, is expected to create 900 jobs. The grant comes as a crucial step to advance the cable manufacturing project, which received planning approval from North Ayrshire Council in May.

While the company's pre-tax profits for the first six months of the year were £19.5 million, a decrease compared to £23.7 million reported in H1 2022, revenue for the same period increased year-on-year from £1.8 billion to £2.1 billion.

The Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead subsea links will be part of a larger framework agreement that aims to deploy up to five HVDC power corridors, enabling the efficient transfer of renewable power from northern Scotland to areas of higher consumption in the south.