At least 130 workers are set to lose their jobs within Maersk Drilling Norge as drilling rigs go off contract.
Given that Maersk Gallant jack-up rig is set go off contract during the fall, and that Maersk Inspirer rig will see its contract with Statoil expire at the end of the year, Maersk Drilling Norway will terminate between 130 and 140 jobs. This was published by the Maersk Employee Association on Wednesday.
The cuts will occur as the rigs go off work, so not in one batch. The employee association also said that some positions might transfer to the XLE4 jack-up rig.
The newly built rig is on its way to Norway, where it should arrive on February 2017, meaning there would be staff requirements even before January 1, the association said.
This is not the first time this year that Maersk Drilling is cutting workforce in Norway. Earlier, in March, Maersk Drilling let go 70 employees.
Also in 2015, Maersk Drilling had to downsize after two of its rigs , Maersk Giant and Maersk Guardian, were left without a contract.