Marine contractor DeepOcean Group is planning to split is UK operations into two.
The Norwegian outfit will create a cable installation unit and a separate, standalone company for seabed trenching and intervention.
Pierre Boyde, currently managing director of the DeepOcean Cable Lay and Trenching, will head the latter division, which will be headquartered at Blyth, north-east England.
“This new division will allow, what is already a world leading subsea trenching service to grow by concentrating on delivering exceptional performance from our exceptional vehicles,” said Boyde.
“The move also allows us to meet the demands of our clients by focussing on the delivery of our expanding innovative seabed technology services.”
Steve Marshall, who is CL&T operations director, will take the role of managing director of the installation business, which will be based in Darlington, also in the north-east.
The split will be completed by the year-end, DeepOcean said.
DeepOcean chief executive Oyvind Mikaelsen added: “DeepOcean is to develop these businesses as standalone units to unlock potential with distinct offerings in an evolving market place, creating value for all stakeholders. We are excited about the future for the new divisions and how they will help DeepOcean Group expand and strengthen its market offering.”