In this way, Norwegian offshore seafarers have been credited for a number of vessel innovations and held up as playing an integral part in Norway’s large offshore cluster.
This year, many of these seafarers are losing jobs because of layups or are being replaced by cheaper international crew in the downturn. Some unions see it as a serious threat.
The implication is that the Norwegian crew, who have been praised for their value, are now far outweighed by the owners’ fight for survival.
