North Sea oil companies reduce offshore staff as supplies run low amid stormy weather

Ithaca has reduced its offshore workers with only essential workers remaining on site, while TotalEnergies has reduced staff numbers on its Elgin platform to manage water supplies for cleaning and cooking, according to reports.

The North East of Scotland has been battered by heavy rain and strong winds over the last month, with several Met Office weather warnings for rain and snow issued across the region this week.

In a statement, Ithaca said poor weather was affecting its ability to transport supplies to its assets and as a result it had decided to reduce staff until conditions improved.

It said the health and safety of its offshore staff was the company’s “highest priority” and that it was working with partners to return to normal supply levels as soon as possible.

It did not state how many staff or which sites are affected.

Graham Skinner, health and safety manager for Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), said strong winds were resulting in shortages of essential supplies including food and water.

He said there appeared to be “no end” to the stormy weather and that supply boats were being battered continuously by waves of up to six metres.

He said while companies had been in this situation before, it can be “uncomfortable” for workers - especially those experiencing it for the first time.

A yellow weather warning for rain is set to come into force in parts of north east Scotland at 6pm, and runs till midday tomorrow.

Met Office statistics published earlier this week showed that the east of Scotland experienced one of its wettest Januarys on record.

TotalEnergies and Ithaca have been approached for comment.