In 1979, the Odfjell family decided to split the Company in two, based on differences in outlook on future activities. The split was effective from 1 March 1980. Bernt Daniel Odfjell and his son Dan Odfjell took over the deep-sea chemical tanker fleet, with Skibsaksjeselskapet Storli as their main corporate entity, and including the terminal business. Johan Odvar Odfjell and his son Abraham Odfjell took over the small tankers, later developed into Jo Tankers, and the offshore rig business through Odfjell Drilling and Consulting Company (ODCC).
