London-listed oil firm withdraws employees from the Middle East

Oil Services Firm Withdraws Staff from Persian Gulf Due to Rising Tensions

An oil services company listed in London has pulled its employees from the Persian Gulf as regional conflicts intensify. Gulf Marine Services (GMS) acted on instructions from a Middle Eastern client, evacuating personnel from its "liftboats"—large vessels with extendable legs that anchor to the seafloor—out of concern for worker safety.

GMS manages a fleet of 14 liftboats, each typically staffed by around 150 crew members. The evacuation of four vessels means all ongoing maintenance has been suspended indefinitely, impacting the company’s clients across the region.

This development was revealed in a report by Zeus Capital, which noted that GMS had been directed to remove all staff from four vessels currently under contract with the client as a protective measure. According to the analysts, the evacuation has been completed and all operations from these vessels are currently on hold.

The vessels themselves remain stationed at their locations, and it is expected that work could resume quickly once the evacuation order is lifted.

Role of Liftboats in the Energy Sector

Liftboats are essential assets in the offshore energy industry, widely used not only in the Persian Gulf but also in the North Sea. They play a crucial role in maintaining and decommissioning oil and gas platforms, as well as servicing underwater infrastructure like pipelines and wells. These vessels are also vital for the offshore wind sector, supporting the installation and upkeep of turbines and related equipment. Their extendable legs allow them to elevate above the water, creating a stable base for construction and repair activities.

Major Clients and Recent Incidents

Headquartered in Aberdeen and traded on the London Stock Exchange, GMS counts some of the region’s largest energy companies among its clients, including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), Saudi Aramco, and Qatar Energy.

Recently, two Qatar Energy sites, including Ras Laffan Industrial City—the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility—were struck by Iranian drones. As a precaution, all 14 LNG production lines at the site have been shut down to assess damage and prevent further incidents.

Adnoc has also implemented emergency protocols after drone attacks targeted the Musaffah fuel terminal in Abu Dhabi. The company has ordered the removal of non-essential personnel from offshore platforms and support vessels, including liftboats, at the Upper Zakum and Ghasha fields.

Similarly, Saudi Aramco has responded to a drone-related fire at its Ras Tanura refinery by suspending certain operations and restricting offshore staff movements to only those deemed critical, aiming to minimize risk during ongoing aerial threats.

Diplomatic Responses and Further Evacuations

The US embassy in Riyadh and the American mission in the UAE have both issued immediate shelter-in-place orders for US citizens. Because GMS liftboats often employ Western technical experts, these diplomatic advisories have already led to the evacuation of certain crew members to secure locations or back to their home countries.

GMS has been contacted for further comment.