Awilco chief executive Jens Berge has quit, saying the troubled drilling rig contractor had reached a “crossroads”.
Mr Berge joined Awilco, headquartered in Westhill, near Aberdeen, from offshore accommodation provider Prosafe in 2019.
He joined the company at a time of optimism, with Awilco having just announced a second new rig order with the Keppel yard in Singapore.
But Awilco is now embroiled in a bitter feud with Keppel over the terminations of contracts for both rigs.
Mr Berge said he felt the “prerequisites” for his role had changed “significantly”.
He said: “The company has reached a crossroads and I have concluded that I would like to pursue new opportunities.
“However, Awilco Drilling is a great company and I wish the company and its skilled employees all the best.”
Eric Jacobs, general counsel at majority shareholder Awilhelmsen Group, a Norwegian investment firm, will act as interim chief until a permanent replacement can be found.
Awilco chairman Sigurd Thorvildsen said “The board would like to thank Jens Berge for his contributions during the past two years as Awilco Drilling’s CEO and understands his decision to be relieved from his position to pursue other opportunities. We wish Jens Berge all the best in the future.”
The company, which has about 20 employees based out of Westhill, currently operates two semi-submersible drilling rigs.
WilPhoenix is contracted to Serica Energy at the operator’s Rhum field in the UK northern North Sea field while WilHunter has been cold stacked in Cromarty Firth for years.