Cnooc to cut worker numbers on North Sea helicopters to address Covid-19 social distancing

Oil and gas operator China National Offshore Oil Corporation (Cnooc) International is set to halve worker numbers travelling by helicopter to its North Sea assets in an attempt to socially distance staff and combat the spread of coronavirus offshore.

The Beijing-headquartered firm intends to reduce passenger numbers from around 18  to eight crew per flight.

It is understood the decision has been taken as part of the firm’s desire to be “on the front-foot” in terms of its wider Covid-19 precautionary measures.

A spokesman for Cnooc said: “We have introduced a comprehensive range of control measures during the Covid-19 pandemic to help ensure the health and safety of our people and maintain safe operations offshore.”

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