The Offshore Slowdown and What’s Next for Australia’s Energy Workforce

It’s a challenging time in offshore drilling across Australia. 
Four offshore rigs have recently gone off contract, leaving hundreds of skilled oil and gas workers without roles. Right now, only three rigs remain active in Australian waters. 

The impact goes beyond the rig floor. We’re seeing similar trends across the UK, the Middle East and Asia: rigs stacking, contracts tightening, and highly trained crews navigating uncertainty once again. 

But amid the slowdown, there are positive signs in the pipeline. 
The Australian Government, through NOPTA and Geoscience Australia, is preparing the next offshore petroleum exploration acreage release, which will open new opportunities for exploration and drilling contractors. 

Meanwhile, Amplitude Energy (formerly Cooper Energy) has submitted an environment plan for the Otway Basin, with a proposed drilling campaign beginning in April 2026. ConocoPhillips and partners are also moving ahead with a significant gas exploration program in the same region (permits Vic/P79 and T/49P), with the Transocean Equinox rig contracted for a multi-year campaign extending to 2028. 

These developments highlight that while the present feels slow, the Australian energy sector is preparing for its next cycle, one that blends traditional oil and gas operations with emerging energy transition projects such as carbon capture, decommissioning, and renewables integration. 

At the Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC), we’re focused on helping the workforce stay job-ready for that next phase. 
We continue to: 

• Deliver well control training, IWCF renewals, and drilling safety training aligned to RII qualifications. 

• Provide RTO-accredited oil and gas training that keeps workers compliant, confident, and employable across both onshore and offshore environments. 

• Support FIFO training programs and career-transition pathways into decommissioning, maintenance, and new-energy projects. 

• Build energy workforce readiness through competency-based training and industry partnerships. 

The feast-or-famine cycle has always been part of offshore life, but readiness and resilience will define who’s best placed when the next wave hits. 

To everyone affected by the current downturn, we see you, we understand it, and we believe in what’s coming next. 
Let’s stay skilled, connected, and ready for the next opportunity. 

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