Sector News

Oil major Chevron is reviewing up to 140 positions across its North Sea operations as it looks to streamline costs.

The company said last month up to 10% of its workforce would be cut globally as it looks to manage costs amid a lower for longer oil price.

The budget set for the next year has also been reduced by 25% in an acknowledgement oil prices aren’t expected to increase drastically in the next couple of years.

The move could result in job losses for both employees and contractors across Chevron North Sea.

It is expected to affect jobs in Aberdeen, London, Houston, Norway and Denmark.

Last year Chevron announced it would be reducing its staffing numbers in its North Sea operations by 225 positions.

Companies across the North Sea have moved to reduce their headcount including BP, Shell and Technip.

Sir Ian Wood yesterday said he expected more job losses to come in the next year as the North Sea oil and gas industry continues to have a “hard time”.

A spokesman for Chevron said: “Chevron North Sea Limited can confirm that it is currently conducting a review of its organisation to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency. Chevron is committed to the UK North Sea and the company is focused on safe and reliable operations.

“We anticipate there could be a reduction of approximately 140 positions covering employees and contractors across Chevron North Sea Ltd office locations, including Aberdeen, London, Houston, Norway and Denmark.”

Earlier this year Chevron said it would be moving to a new combination shift pattern of three weeks on, three weeks off and two weeks on and four weeks off.

The move, which breaks away from the traditional two on, three off will give the workers the chance to supplement the equal time rota with additional field breaks.

Workers will be able to utilise the new two weeks on, four weeks off shift pattern up to three times a year.

Offshore staff members will work an average of 161 days under the move.

By Niamh Forrest

Source: Energy Voice