THE co-founder of one of the Tyne Valley’s leading engineering firms has been recognised with a prestigious award.

Tony Trapp MBE, executive chairman of Riding Mill based offshore specialists Osbit, has been presented with the Outstanding Contribution to the Subsea Industry Award from Subsea UK.

Subsea refers to fully submerged ocean equipment, operations or applications, particularly those far from shore, in deep ocean waters or on the seabed.

The award recognises the exceptional impact made by an individual to the subsea sector, and was presented to Mr Trapp at the Subsea UK 2020 awards and dinner, held at the Subsea Expo in Aberdeen on February 12.

Osbit director Steve Bedford praised Mr Trapp after the award was announced.

He said: “At the heart of Tony’s success lies a drive to develop those who work with him for the benefit of the industry.

“One of his many talents is knowing how to get the best out of young graduates and encouraging them to become excellent, commercially minded engineers who enthusiastically deliver a wide range of subsea and offshore technology to developers, vessel owners and energy customers around the world.”

Over the course of a 50-year career as an engineer, entrepreneur and leader in the offshore industry, Mr Trapp has developed multiple pieces of world-first technology.