Rolls-Royce is cutting another 800 jobs from its struggling marine business in a move it says will save the engine manufacturer $63m a year. The marine headcount today stands at 4,800, mainly based in Norway.
Last year, Rolls-Royce axed 1,000 staff from its marine division as newbuild orders at yards across the world slipped to their lowest levels seen in a generation.
“The actions being taken will enhance the competitive strength and resilience of the (marine) business in what remains an attractive market for Rolls-Royce,” said the company’s chief executive Warren East.
I must confess; I’m somewhat enjoying the irony of watching this from a distance.
A company that envisions ridding ships of their crews and moving towards an autonomous environment onboard, where dozens of ships are managed by a single shoreside office somewhere, by a human monitoring these vessel movements simultaneously….what bittersweet irony that their executives are getting a taste of what their vision is like if implemented thought our industry.
“Sorry old boy…we don’t need you anymore. Your work will be done by that machine over there. Here’s your severance check. Ta-ta!”
I’m sorry, tongue in cheek comments. But this is the vision that many of us seafarers simply don’t entirely agree with. Some aspects of Rolls Royce efforts are positive and should be continued. But not all. But their view will give rise to fewer men and women at sea.
So there you go. 800 jobs eliminated just like that! Thats pretty much how it will happen, yes?