Schlumberger swings axe in Norway

Schlumberger, the world’s largest oilfield services provider, has reportedly decided to reduce its headcount in Norway.

According to E24, Norway’s online business newspaper, Schlumberger will reduce the number of positions in all of its Norwegian branches as a result of a difficult market situation. The French company has offices in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger.

The company’s spokesperson declined to comment to E24 on how many jobs would be cut, but said the unions have been informed.

Offshore Energy Today reached out to the oilfield services provider seeking confirmation of these reports and further details about the location and number of employees affected by this decision.

In an e-mail, the company’s spokesperson said: “Schlumberger regrets that we must reduce the number of positions in some of our divisions in Norway, through both temporary layoffs and terminations, due to the reduction in market activity. We understand that this is difficult for those it affects, particularly a time of industry downturn, but as a service company we must continually match our resources to demand.”

The spokesperson also commented: “The relevant unions have been informed. Schlumberger does not release details of employees per division or country, or of employment conditions or benefits.”

Schlumberger had two major rounds of job cuts last year axing 9,000 jobs in January and 11,000 in April 2015.

The article has been updated with Schlumberger’s statement. 

Offshore Energy Today Staff