A NORTH-EAST port is working with a company to strengthen its position in the offshore energy industry.

PD Ports says Subsea, a division of McDermott International, will operate a pipe spool base at the Port of Hartlepool.

Bosses say the 30-acre site will allow McDermott to assemble long pipe stalks, which will be spooled to a pipe-laying vessel for oil and gas work.

The factory is expected to be fully operational next year.

Tony Duncan, Subsea executive vice-president, said: “This agreement is an important milestone towards supporting McDermott’s re-entry into the North Sea market.

“We want to combine the prime location of Hartlepool for quick access to project sites with McDermott’s high standards and high performance to meet clients’ needs in the region.”

Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ managing director for bulks and port services, added: “This is another good news story for Hartlepool and for McDermott.

“A permanent spool base consolidates the port’s position as the home to a thriving cluster of offshore-related businesses, adding to the existing successes of Heerema Offshore and JDR Cables.”