Subsea installation is a discipline critical to offshore wind, interconnectors, oil & gas, and the fast-growing offshore transmission market.
As global goals for cleaner and more resilient energy systems accelerate, subsea installation is becoming one of the most in-demand, technology-rich and talent-driven areas of the offshore value chain — and as project footprints expand, dredging is increasingly essential to enabling safe and efficient seabed preparation.
At WRS, we’ve seen a significant rise in the scale and complexity of subsea projects. This trend is set to continue, creating powerful opportunities for businesses and professionals worldwide.
Why Subsea Installation Matters
Subsea installation covers everything from cables and structures to pipelines, umbilicals and foundation components. As offshore wind expands and oil & gas operators push into deeper or more challenging territories, subsea infrastructure is becoming more mission-critical than ever.
Dredging now plays a key role, supporting seabed clearance, export cable routes, foundation preparation and trenching operations, enabling large-scale installation work to proceed efficiently and safely.
Here are three major drivers of subsea installation growth:
1. Growth in Offshore Renewables
New offshore wind farms are larger, further offshore, and located in more complex seabed environments. This requires bespoke subsea engineering, highly specialised installation vessels, and skilled teams capable of delivering in difficult conditions.
Dredging contractors and crews are increasingly essential in preparing export and array cable corridors, levelling seabed surfaces, and ensuring foundations and structures can be installed without delay.
2. Increased Use of Subsea Cables and Electrical Infrastructure
Electrical infrastructure is expanding rapidly, creating growing demand for installation support, surveys, trenching services and cable protection systems.
In many areas, dredging is required before trenching to remove sediment layers, debris or uneven seabed features, ensuring cable routes meet engineering and regulatory requirements.
3. Technology-Driven Complexity
Advanced robotics, remote operations and cutting-edge survey techniques are transforming how subsea installation is delivered. This increases the need for teams with multi-disciplinary capabilities — including dredging expertise, which is becoming integral to early-stage and preparatory offshore works.
What This Means for Businesses Working on Subsea Projects
For developers, EPC contractors, vessel operators and service companies, the rapid expansion of subsea activity presents both opportunity and pressure.
Increased Activity Means Increased Competition
More global offshore projects mean more competition for expert talent — including subsea engineers, ROV and survey teams, offshore supervisors, installation managers and dredging crews capable of mobilising globally.
Successful businesses are those that plan ahead and recruit strategically, especially in regions where large-scale offshore wind and transmission projects are launching simultaneously.
Technological Integration Requires Specialist Skills
New tools, autonomous systems and digital monitoring are becoming standard, and the workforce must be able to operate:
- Modern ROV and trenching equipment
- AUV-based survey workflows
- Real-time installation monitoring
- Digital vessel-integration systems
- Dredging equipment and hydraulic systems for seabed preparation
WRS supports these industry advancements by helping organisations source and mobilise world-class talent across installation, dredging, survey and digital-enabled subsea operations.
What Opportunities Does This Present for Subsea Professionals?
For candidates, the subsea sector offers exceptional long-term career prospects. With new offshore wind zones, interconnector projects and subsea fields progressing globally, demand is rising for roles including:
- ROV pilots & supervisors
- Survey instrumentation specialists
- Subsea construction personnel
- Cable lay & trenching technicians
- Pipeline/umbilical installation teams
- Offshore supervision and client representatives
- Dredging operators, dredge masters and dredging engineers
Professionals with multi-disciplinary expertise — for example, combining subsea installation knowledge with trenching or dredging experience — will be extremely competitive in the evolving offshore market.
The Subsea Installation Sector Is on the Rise
Subsea installation is entering one of its busiest and most innovative periods, with dredging becoming a critical enabler of safe and successful installation projects.
For businesses, this means workforce planning and recruitment need to be proactive. For candidates, the opportunities have never been stronger.
Whether you’re delivering complex subsea scopes or looking for your next offshore career move, WRS is here to support your journey.
Contact us today — our specialist recruitment teams are ready to help.
