Hedda Felin revealed the significant jobs boost for the North Sea as she made her first public appearance on behalf of the Norwegian operator.

The announcement was made with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Oil and Gas UK boss Deirdre Michie present as the organisation opened it’s new building in Aberdeens Prime Four development.

Statoil also revealed their plans to drill 5 new wells in the coming year including three at the organisations Mariner field.

Speaking to reporters, Felin said: “There will be even more opportunities coming through the Mariner project, when we have the operational phase.

“There will be about 200 onshore and 500 offshore so it’s a significant recruitment boost that we will see in the coming years.”

The jobs boost comes in the wake of Statoils announcement to create 40 new jobs this autumn with top management indicating a busy period for the organisation in the coming months.