Unique Group, a leading integrated subsea and offshore solution provider based in Sharjah (UAE), aims to double its size and global infrastructure by 2019 through capital investment, acquisitions and expansion into key markets.

A specialist in the provision of services, and the sale and rental of equipment for the marine, diving, hydrographic, oceanographic, oil and gas, inspection and NDT market sectors, Unique has a local presence in the US, UK, South Africa, India and Singapore and employs over 500 people worldwide.

With a current turnover in excess of $100 million, the company has restructured its worldwide organisation into five new business units, to capitalise on Unique Group’s current and future market sectors, said a statement from the company.

On its future plans, Unique said it will first launch a range of technically-advanced products for Dive Support Vessels (DSVs), thanks to three years of research and development and significant investment by the group.

As offshore operations move increasingly into deeper and more challenging environments, the DSV market will become significant in Unique Group’s growth, it stated.

Harry Gandhi, the founder and CEO said: "In the field of oil and gas survey, exploration and oil recovery, the forecast of future demand outweighs current supply levels. It is crucial that the industry does not stand still and that we all prepare for projected upturns."

"Current market conditions have led some companies, especially smaller ones, to be overcautious and almost come to a standstill, instead of finding new ways to remain competitive and sustainable," he noted.

According to Gandhi, the company boasts over 200 engineering specialists across six global regions and a streamlined, multidisciplinary offering.

"We work with the best vendors and ultimately we offer our customers in the offshore and subsea sectors the most cost-effective solutions for their businesses, whether bespoke or off the shelf," he stated.

Unique Group has made three senior appointments to oversee the expansion in key growth areas. Within the group, Mike Jessop has been promoted to the post of global head of diving.

The group has also recruited leading figures from within the industry: Andy Doggett, former manager of Teledyne CDL has been brought in to head the new survey equipment division; while Steve McMillan, the former head of diving at McDermott, has been appointed as global HSE & projects director.

Welcoming the appointments, Gandhi said: "We are excited to be entering this latest chapter in our history and I am more than confident that we’ll reach our 2019 growth target."

"Unique Group will announce a further series of senior global appointments in the coming weeks and the acquisitions will be made public once complete," he added.-TradeArabia News Service