A number of European major companies plan staff reductions as big projects wind down and streamlining continues.
BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd. will cut 230 jobs at its Stockley Park, London, office by yearend. The move will mainly hit technical and seismic processing staff supporting operations in Angola, Nigeria, and Viet Nam.
A spokesman said the move reflects increasing use of computer technology and the trend toward partnerships with contractors.
BP's Azerbaijan team will be cut to 30 from 82 because field development is to be conducted by a group. BP originally planned to operate Chirag field, but now staff will be drawn from all partners.
Norske Shell AS plans to cut 500 jobs in its exploration and production department during the next 2 years. This will follow completion of development in Draugen and East Troll fields off Norway.
The total involves project teams, as well as contract and short term staff, but Shell said the cuts reflect a lack of new development tasks for Shell in the Norwegian sector.
Elf Enterprise Caledonia Ltd. disclosed an early retirement scheme for employees. Through this program, along with reductions in contract personnel, Elf Enterprise hopes to reduce staff to 1,200 from 1,400 without layoffs.
Marathon Oil U.K. Ltd. may cut 100 jobs during the next year or so as work on East Brae field development winds down and the company realigns itself to focus on 14th licensing round projects rather than mainly on Brae area work in the U.K. North Sea.
Chevron U.K. Ltd. will cut 60 jobs in the North Sea's Ninian field by yearend. Last year's manning reductions on the North Ninian platform will serve as a model for a 25% cut in crews for the central and southern platforms.
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