WORKERS will bring production “to a standstill” at one of the North Sea’s biggest oil fields as a rota dispute continues.

Leading offshore union Unite has announced that around 100 deck crew employed by Odfjell on Norwegian oil giant Equinor’s Mariner platform will beginning a series strikes over 12 weeks from January 29.

The announcement came after plans for strike action and an overtime ban secured the backing of 99 per cent of a workforce determined to win changes to their rota system. They say it is making their workplace — already one of the most hostile environments in British industry — even more dangerous, as physical and mental burnout takes a toll.

Unite industrial officer Vic Fraser warned the action would “in effect bring the Mariner platform to a standstill.”

He said: “Odfjell is ignoring the serious concerns which our members are raising.

“The only way that this dispute can be solved is if Odfjell discuss with Unite changes to the working rotation.

“Our members are resolute and they are prepared to strike over 12 weeks, until the company sees sense.”

Odfjell was contacted for comment.