The sub-sea marine services company said its patented NEPSYS technology would be used to assist in underwater repair works to an offshore production platform for a large US independent oil company.

Managing director Christian Lange described the deal as a major development for Neptune and said it provides an entry into one of the world's largest oil and gas regions.

“Securing the project is a coup for Neptune and we are very enthusiastic about the prospects in the region,” Lange said.

“We see a very deep market in this sector for NEPSYS and other services we are assembling.

“In the Gulf of Mexico alone, there is a lot of scope for Neptune to secure ongoing repair works.”

Oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico has suffered extensive damage in the wake of hurricanes in the area, including Rita and Katrina.

Current industry estimates indicate some 457 pipelines and 65 production platforms have been damaged since the hurricanes.

Neptune said this is expected to increase as more extensive underwater surveys are conducted.