AN industrial pump and valve firm is developing equipment to shutdown subsea oilfield leaks.

Haskel has unveiled a £160,000 contract for a gas booster system.

Bosses at the Sunderland-based company say it will play an integral role in a unit designed by the Norwegian subsidiary of engineer Oceaneering.

The equipment will be built at its Haskel’s Wearside base, where it employs about 50 staff.

Jim Millar, business development manager, said: “When there is a subsea oil spill, you have to be able to shut it off very quickly.

“Oil companies have blowout preventers (BOPs), which can shut down the well on the seabed.

“In case the BOP fails, it may be possible to shut it down using subsea accumulators, which is where the gas booster system comes in.

“This kind of equipment is hardly ever needed, but when it is, it is crucial.”

Mr Millar added the gas booster will be shipped to Norway soon, with the company hoping it will be then rolled put across major oil and gas companies globally.

Last month, Haskel revealed export orders increased by 30 per cent in 2014, with trade to Africa up by 35 per cent year-on-year.

The company has previously used its expertise to clean, service, and maintain oxygen boosters for the Ministry of Defence, with its specialist equipment helping Royal Navy divers sweep the UK coastline for unexploded mines.