Aquaseal Secures Humber Gateway Contract

Aquaseal Rubber Ltd, the North East England-based rubber products specialist, has secured a prestigious project as part of the development of the Humber Gateway offshore wind farm.

The company, which has its operation in Longbenton, North Tyneside, was awarded the project by Rotherham-based MTL, which is a specialist metal products manufacturer.

An experienced supplier of secondary steelwork to the offshore and renewable energy sector, MTL has been engaged by TAG Energy Solutions to deliver Module Support Frames for J-Tube & Boat landing Platforms for the foundation structures for the offshore wind farm.

TAG Energy Solutions, which is a full service offshore wind serial foundation manufacturer located in the North East, is supplying 16 monopiles and transition pieces for the Humber Gateway.

The wind farm, which is situated 8km off the Yorkshire Coast close to the mouth of the Humber Estuary, will consist of a 73 turbine array that will generate up to 219MW of electricity, enough energy to power up to 170,000 homes.

Aquaseal, which has been in operation since 1972 and supplies products to the marine, defence, automotive, agricultural and food sectors, is providing rubber coating internal and external linings for the J-Tubes guides and boat landing ladder and platforms, which are fitted to the wind turbine modules.

Aquaseal Rubber, which manufactures products including rubber coatings, hoses and seals for road cleaning equipment, hoses used in the food industry, grain and bulker hoses along with radiator and heater hoses for cars, and fenders for Remotely Operated Vehicles, it’s a family business run by Jason Armstrong and his father, Eddie Armstrong.

It has experiencing a strong period of growth following an investment by the Barrier Group Ltd, which acquired a 49% stake in the business with the aim of helping expand the business’s presence in wider markets.

Jason Armstrong, Managing Director of Aquaseal, said: “We are very proud to be part of the supply chain for such an important and high profile renewable energy project. Working with MTL is enabling Aquaseal to demonstrate our capabilities in the offshore renewables sector, which, alongside the work we are securing in the oil & gas sector, is supporting our growth in new markets.”

Robert Bowles, Chairman of The Barrier Group, said: “This contract is further evidence of the variety industries that can utilise Aquaseal’s products and technology. It has established an excellent reputation for quality, which the Barrier Group is keen to share within the offshore industries in which we operate.”