Cable manufacturing facility at Port of Tyne revealed as consultation launched

LSEAC is a joint venture between LS Group and the Global Interconnector Group. Although its plans are at an early stage and still being finalised, it says the total investment is expected to be approximately £923M (US$1.2Bn).

The proposal would see a facility to manufacture cables built on land within the Port of Tyne (south side, Tyne Dock). The complex would include a series of buildings – including a manufacturing space, testing facilities and offices – situated around a 202-m tall tower where the cables would be stretched and sheathed before use.

The consultation runs from 14 May to 18 June 2025 and provides an opportunity for local communities, businesses and organisations to provide feedback on the proposed development before the final planning application is made to South Tyneside Council later this year.

The factory would lead to 500 direct jobs and a thousand more across the wider supply chain, including in high-skilled roles in engineering. 

Along with the North East Combined Authority and the Port of Tyne, LSEAC will work with colleges and universities to provide training and retraining in the skills needed at the facility.

LSEAC director Sangdon Lee said, “At a time when the UK is moving ever-more-quickly to decarbonise its energy supply, there is a huge need for the infrastructure underpinning that transition. We are delighted as a joint venture to be proposing this facility for a subsea cable development.”

Port of Tyne chief executive Matt Beeton said, “The proposed cable manufacturing facility is a huge employment opportunity for people in the northeast and complements the region’s manufacturing sector. It demonstrates the ability of the region to attract significant international investors to support the clean energy transition, with the Port of Tyne at its heart.”