LIBERTY Steel UK’s pipes division in Hartlepool has started production on a major contract to supply pipelines for a key new UK energy infrastructure project led by the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) and Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power). The contract, secured last year, marks a key milestone in the UK’s transition towards net zero emissions.

In total, LIBERTY will produce 105km of offshore pipeline infrastructure, which will be used to transport CO2 to the Endurance carbon capture storage facility in the North Sea, 1,000m below the seabed. Manufacturing of the carbon steel linepipe will continue until the third quarter of 2025.

The contract is one of eight engineering, procurement and construction packages awarded by NEP/NZT Power with a combined value of around £4bn. The project will utilise Greentec steel plate sourced from Voestalpine, Austria, reinforcing a commitment to sustainable manufacturing. As part of the preparations to successfully deliver this strategic project, LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool has recruited over 30 new employees.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:

“This contract is a perfect demonstration of our plan across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool to use big international investment to secure good quality jobs for local people.

The NZT project on Teesworks will provide thousands of local jobs – and has laid down a marker to the nation, and the world, on how to make sure the industries of the future actually benefit real people.

Seeing LIBERTY Pipes start production on this major new contract is excellent, and cements our position as a runaway leader in these industries.

This contract – alongside the many others – will secure skilled jobs, create more in the town and help us drive forward the regeneration of the area.”

LIBERTY Steel Chief Transformation Officer Jeff Kabel said:

“Following months of meticulous planning, mill preparation, recruitment, and training, LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool is proud to announce the start of manufacturing for the NEP and NZT Power projects. It is flagship project and hopefully one of many similar projects in the UK, and internationally, that the business hopes to be involved in. LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool has an extensive track record in the North Sea and now, in line with our long-term strategy, we are pleased to extend our involvement in support of new Energy Transition infrastructure.  We look forward to delivering the project safely and to the satisfaction of our client.”