The Future of Offshore Life

In 2000, there were 352 offshore rigs operating globally. The number went down to 173 in 2020 during the peak of COVID.

As the industry transitions, so does life offshore. 

You can’t compare the statistics from the last 20 years to today, said Madhavi Kale, Global Lead for Insights for Sodexo Energy & Resources. COVID has accelerated the coming generational change offshore.

A Generational Shift

The “Great Crew Change” has been a common term in the energy industry since 2015. It references the aging population of oil, gas and mining workers and the expected onset of retirements from baby boomers.  

According to a 2020 Deloitte report on “The Future of Work in Oil and Gas,” the average age of energy workers is 44, and only 23% of employees fall in the 25-34 demographic. As many are aging out of life offshore, a new generation is starting to come aboard.

Things are different than they were 10 years ago. I’m different. I want different things, so do offshore workers. Younger generations are more concerned about health and wellness. They want variety in menus such as lighter fare for lunch. Space is used differently, with people spending more time in the gym and in their cabins watching streaming services. We need to rebuild the sense of community through social activities and competitions, as well as fitness coaching services, says Ed Morrow, Global Energy Account VP, who is based in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Technology has also changed our expectations as consumers. In everyday life, you can order almost anything with an app and have it delivered. You have instant access to information; you can shop with a click of a button and connect with people all over the world. As we see the demographics changing offshore, we are integrating these behaviors into service delivery.

Looking Ahead

Things are changing in more ways than one. While the workforce remains predominantly male, the presence of women working offshore has doubled, to 6.45% in 2020 from 3.41% in 2010, and expansions in developing areas have also increased the diversity of the demographic on rigs. If the workforce is looking different, so must the working environment.

There is also a shift in perception. Due to the growing cynicism toward fossil fuels and their derivatives, and the expectation of a pathway to energy transition in the near future, the industry is losing its long-standing appeal for recruiting prospects.

Ed Morrow, Global Energy Account VP, based in Aberdeen, Scotland says:

Even with the energy transition, there are 100 new rig projects planned to be delivered in the next five years. It is our duty as service partners to make the life of those who work on these rigs more comfortable, no matter who or where they are, and assist our clients in attracting the best talent. It will be interesting to see how offshore drillers see the future. What will life on a rig look like in 2040?

Our commitment to driving up service standards ensures that we meet your goals for your employees and for the future of your industry.

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