In an internal announcement to all SBM Offshore employees – designated "importance: high" and "sensitivity: private" – personnel were told that "effective today, the company has decided to let go Jean-Philippe Laures".

"We thank Jean-Philippe for his contribution to the company," SBM said.

The brief memo went on to say that Chabas "will take over Jean Philippe’s responsibilities as COO until further notice", and added "the necessary adjustments to the organisation will be announced in due course".

The