Offshore drilling firm chooses Liverpool

SEADRILL, a major offshore drilling company, is setting up a global service centre in Liverpool, creating dozens of jobs.

The business is managed from London but has a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

It is taking the fifth floor at Mann Island on the waterfront and says it chose the city because of its transport links, talent pool and maritime heritage.

Seadrill plans to take on 90 staff working in IT, administration, finance and human resources. The group employs 10,000 staff around the world and owns and operates 53 offshore drilling rigs.

Chief executive Per Wullf said: “Liverpool and the North West of England has excellent national and international transport links and a large talent pool to draw from. Add to these factors the city’s rich maritime heritage which has made it famous around the world, Liverpool adds up as the perfect location for us. We are delighted to be here and proud to add Liverpool to our list of office locations.”

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “It is exactly this type of inward investment and such high value employment opportunities which we are working very hard to bring to the city. This is a major coup and further evidence that we remain the natural choice for businesses in the maritime sectors. We are sure that Seadrill will become an important and high profile part of the city’s and region’s business community.”