Chevron moves to 3 weeks off, 3 weeks on rota in North Sea

Oil giant Chevron has decided to follow its UK North Sea peers when it comes to changing offshore workers’ shift patterns. The company is implementing three weeks offshore, three weeks onshore rotation.

In a statement sent to Offshore Energy Today, Chevron said: “In order to be competitive for the long term in the North Sea, Chevron Upstream Europe has identified opportunities for improving efficiency and effectiveness in our offshore operations. As part of this, Chevron has advised its offshore workforce of the intention to centralize its maintenance management structure.

“To enable this change, Chevron is moving to a three weeks on, three weeks off work rotation for the offshore workforce.”

The change in rotations will take effect starting in January 2016.

Chevron has said that these changes have been designed to drive improvements in offshore production efficiency and reliability, adding that the company remains committed to safe and reliable operations.

Chevron is not alone in changing the rotation pattern. We have previously reported on BP, Shell and CNR doing the same.

Offshore workers’ unions in the UK have objected these rota changes, saying they could seriously impact the safety of those working offshore.

Offshore Energy Today recently contacted a member of a workers’ union in the UK, to obtain more information on how these rota changes could affect health and safety.

He said: “Would you expect a lorry driver to work 7×12 every day for 3 weeks which could run into a fourth week because of bad weather or helicopter problems.”

Chevron has interests in nine offshore producing fields in the United Kingdom. The company operates the Alba, Captain and Erskine fields and are a joint operator of the Britannia Field. The company also has interests in five producing nonoperated fields: Brodgar, Callanish, Clair, Elgin/Franklin and Jade.

Offshore Energy Today Staff