Temporary smaller workforce on 2 Hibernia platform rigs starting in July

Two Hibernia platform rigs will be taken out of service for six months to allow for upgrades, resulting in less work during that period of time.

Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. told CBC News in a statement Tuesday the two rigs will be out of service from July to December.

During that time, there will be a reduced workforce, but MargotBruce-O'Connell, HMDC's public and government affairs manager,said it's anticipated the "overall number of workers offshore will not be significantly affected as other platform upgrades will be undertaken during that time."

Bruce-O'Connell cited the need to upgrade because the rigs will be in use longer than originally anticipated.

"When the Hibernia platform was built, it was originally expected that the resource would be depleted within the 2015-2017 timeframe," Bruce-O'Connell said.

"The amount of recoverable reserves has increased and we now expect to produce until at least 2040."

To ensure "long-term safety and integrity of the rigs," Bruce-O'Connell said the upgrades need to be done.

Once upgrades are finished, the rig will return to having a full staff.

Meanwhile, Hibernia expects thatwhat it calls "production operations"will continue as normal during the six-month period.