Norway's Havyard Group is planning a European IPO for its design and technology companies after quitting the newbuilding sector.

The spin-off of the "cleantech" businesses is being explored "as part of the process to strengthen the financial position and to unlock value", the Oslo-listed company said.

The operations involved are Havyard Design & Solutions, Norwegian Electric Systems, Norwegian Greentech and Havyard Hydrogen, its new unit set up to develop hydrogen fuel cells for vessels.