A 15-TONNE track tensioner used to lay cabling was paraded during an event to highlight the region’s offshore energy sector prowess.

The huge machine, built by Royal IHC, was on display at the Offshore Wind North-East Conference, at Hardwick Hall, in Sedgefield, County Durham.

The rental system, constructed by Royal IHC at its factory in Wallsend, includes cables made by Hartlepool-based JDR and was deployed by Darlington subsea operator DeepOcean on the Race Bank offshore wind farm.

The conference, part of NOF Energy’s programme of activities to mark Offshore Wind Week, was attended by 300 delegates and 34 exhibitors.

George Rafferty, chief executive of support organisation NOF Energy, based on the outskirts of Durham City, said: “The North-East is at the forefront of the offshore wind industry and has an important role to play in the continued development of the sector in the UK and around the world.

“Offshore Wind Week is a great way to showcase what the North-East has to offer and demonstrate to visitors that we have the companies with the capabilities, resources and technology-led solutions to support the sector for the long-term.”