Brierley Hill-based electrical engineering specialist Banelec has secured a major six-figure international contract to design, manufacture and commission a sophisticated control system for the turret of a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel currently under construction in Vietnam — marking another significant export success for British manufacturing expertise.
The project will see Banelec deliver a bespoke integrated control solution that will interface directly with the vessel’s own onboard control infrastructure, ensuring safe and reliable operation of the turret system — a critical component in offshore oil and gas operations that enables vessels to maintain position while connected to subsea infrastructure.
The contract reinforces the growing reputation of UK engineering firms for delivering complex, high-value industrial automation and control solutions into global energy and maritime markets, despite increasing international competition.
For Banelec, the award represents both a commercial milestone and a strong endorsement of the technical capability that continues to exist within the Black Country’s advanced manufacturing base.
The company will undertake the full lifecycle of the project, including system design, panel manufacture, software integration, testing and final commissioning in Vietnam, demonstrating the breadth of services the business now provides to international customers operating in highly regulated and technically demanding sectors.
Known for its expertise in industrial electrical engineering, control systems integration and automation, Banelec has built a reputation for delivering turnkey solutions across manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and process industries. Its capabilities include bespoke control panel design and build, PLC and HMI programming, systems integration, machine safety, installation, commissioning and ongoing technical support.
The latest offshore contract highlights the increasing demand for British engineering know-how in projects where reliability, precision and problem-solving capability are paramount.
Managing Director of Banelec, Dean Banner said the award reflected the company’s ability to compete globally by combining engineering expertise with flexibility and customer collaboration.
“This project demonstrates the confidence international clients continue to place in UK manufacturing and engineering capability. Delivering a fully integrated control system for a complex offshore application requires technical expertise, responsiveness and a deep understanding of operational safety and performance.
“Winning work of this scale in a competitive international market is a fantastic achievement for the team and underlines the strength of engineering talent we have here in the Midlands.”
The contract also represents another positive story for UK export-led manufacturing at a time when British industrial firms are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets for growth opportunities.
While much of the vessel construction will take place in Southeast Asia, critical elements of the electrical and automation systems will be designed and manufactured in the UK before Banelec engineers travel to Vietnam to oversee installation and commissioning.
Industry observers say projects of this nature demonstrate how British SMEs continue to occupy specialist niches in global supply chains where technical expertise, compliance standards and engineering innovation outweigh lower-cost competition.
The offshore and marine sectors remain major opportunities for UK automation and controls specialists, particularly as operators seek smarter, safer and more integrated vessel systems capable of improving operational reliability and reducing downtime.
For Banelec, the project adds another significant reference to its growing portfolio of complex engineering work delivered both domestically and internationally — and further evidence that high-value manufacturing expertise from the Black Country continues to compete successfully on the world stage.