Deepsea Technologies UK was awarded funding through ETZ Ltd (ETZ)Challenge Fund 2025-26 to support the development of two new test cells within its facility in Altens, Aberdeen. The funding has been provided as targeted growth and innovation support and is specifically intended to enhance facility capability and testing infrastructure. The award will enable the design, installation, and commissioning of two dedicated test cells, increasing both the capacity and flexibility of testing activities undertaken at the Aberdeen site.
As demand for high integrity subsea and pressure containing equipment continues to grow, the ability to test, validate, and qualify systems efficiently has become increasingly critical across the offshore energy sector. Prior to this award, capacity constraints within existing test infrastructure had the potential to limit scalability, particularly as projects become more complex and delivery schedules tighten. With increasing levels of activity across offshore energy markets and continued investment in the Northeast of Scotland, this represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen in house testing capability. Expanding test capacity is essential to maintaining delivery certainty, supporting client requirements, and enabling sustainable growth from Aberdeen as a key engineering and service hub.
Deepsea Technologies UK was well positioned for this funding due to its established track record in delivering engineered subsea solutions and services across global energy markets. The business brings decades of experience in subsea controls, flowline connection systems, and pressure containing equipment, underpinned by a consistent focus on technical excellence and operational reliability. The award reflects confidence in Deepsea Technologies UK’s expertise, long term vision, and commitment to continued investment in UK based engineering capability. It also represents recognition of the company’s role in supporting critical offshore infrastructure through robust design, testing, and validation.
The ETZ Challenge Fund award directly enables the creation of two new test cells within the Altens facility, unlocking several practical benefits:
- Increased in house testing capacity and capability
- Reduced reliance on third party testing facilities
- Faster turnaround for project testing and qualification activities
- Greater flexibility to support multiple projects in parallel
- Improved responsiveness to client schedules and market demand
This investment accelerates delivery capability while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and technical assurance.
The expansion of testing capability delivers benefits beyond Deepsea Technologies UK itself. Customers will benefit from improved responsiveness, reduced lead times, and enhanced confidence in equipment validation. The wider supply chain also stands to gain through continued investment in infrastructure and high value engineering activity within the Aberdeen area. The project supports regional priorities by strengthening the resilience and capability of the local energy sector, contributing to skills retention, employment, and long term economic activity in the Northeast of Scotland.
The ETZ Challenge Fund support aligns closely with Deepsea Technologies UK’s long term growth strategy, which focuses on strengthening regional hubs, expanding technical capability, and investing in infrastructure that supports future demand. The development of the new test cells helps de risk future scale up and positions the Aberdeen facility to support both established and emerging energy markets. This investment reinforces the role of the Altens site as a critical part of the company’s UK and global operating model.
Deepsea Technologies UK acknowledges the support provided through the Challenge Fund, as well as the contribution of internal teams whose collaboration and expertise were instrumental in securing the award and progressing the project. The funding highlights the value of partnership between industry and funding programmes in enabling innovation and growth.
Work is now progressing through detailed planning and implementation for the two new test cells at the Altens facility. Over the coming months, activity will focus on design, installation, and commissioning, with the objective of bringing the enhanced testing capability into operation as efficiently as possible.
Success will be measured through increased testing capacity, improved project delivery performance, and continued support for clients and projects delivered from Aberdeen.
Commenting on the award, Dean Stenner, General Manager of Deepsea Technologies UK in Aberdeen, said:
“This funding represents an important step in strengthening the capability of the Altens facility. The addition of two new test cells significantly enhances the business’s ability to support increasing client demand, improve delivery timelines, and bring greater flexibility to project execution. It also reinforces Aberdeen’s role as a key hub within Deepsea Technologies UK, supporting both current operations and long term growth plans.”
Freda Miller, Senior Manager at ETZ Ltd said –
“ETZ Ltd is delighted to support Deepsea Technologies UK as they expand their testing capabilities within the Aberdeen facility. This investment will not only accelerate their growth ambitions but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Importantly, it will help future-proof the facility, strengthening its resilience in the face of ongoing challenges across the energy sector.
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