UK’s Port of Tyne Set for £923 Million Cable Megaproject

LSEAC’s Subsea Facility Could Transform the North East’s Energy Landscape

A joint venture between Global Infrastructure Group (GIG) and LS Group is poised to inject nearly £1 billion into the UK’s Port of Tyne, with plans for a sprawling subsea and onshore cable facility. LSEAC, the consortium behind the project, has launched a five-week public consultation running from May 14 to June 18, seeking input on the proposed complex—a move that could reshape the region’s energy infrastructure. At stake: 500 direct jobs, a 202-meter cable sheathing tower, and a potential supply chain boom.

“This isn’t just about cables; it’s about anchoring the North East as a hub for green energy innovation,” says North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.

The numbers are staggering. With a total investment estimated at £923 million (€1 billion), the facility would be one of the largest private investments in the region’s recent history. While designs aren’t yet finalized, LSEAC has confirmed the project will include the towering cable sheathing structure—a vertical landmark visible across the port. The consortium also promises 1,000 indirect jobs through supply chain partnerships, targeting local manufacturers and logistics firms.

Community Consultation and Skills Pipeline

Two key consultation events—scheduled for May 27 in South Shields and May 28 in North Shields—will give residents a chance to scrutinize the plans before LSEAC submits a formal application to South Tyneside Council. But the outreach goes beyond paperwork: the venture has pledged collaborations with schools and universities to train workers for the specialized roles the facility will require. “We’re building a talent pipeline, not just infrastructure,” an LSEAC spokesperson noted.

The project traces its roots to September 2024, when LSEAC and the Port of Tyne inked a lease option agreement, quietly setting the stage for this week’s public rollout. For Mayor McGuinness, the timing aligns with broader regional ambitions. “The North East’s supply chain is ready to scale,” she emphasized, pointing to the area’s existing offshore wind and maritime expertise. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2026—with the cable tower rising as a literal and figurative high-voltage symbol of the UK’s energy transition.