Blog: What is Offshore Catering?

20th May 2021

If you were to ask all employees at Francois Offshore Catering what the most common question they are asked by family and friends about their work, the answer would invariably be: “What exactly is offshore catering services?”

Different personnel and companies would answer this in different ways, but at Francois we believe we can sum it up by saying: “It’s about playing our part in ensuring workers spending long periods of time on offshore installations and ships feel they are in their home from home.”

Of course, it can never truly replace their actual homes, but we can ensure they are set for the working day with nutritious and fulfilling meals and enjoy their downtime in comfortable accommodation.

Why is getting the right catering and housekeeping services for your offshore company so important?

Providing these services can be challenging, as it means ensuring crew and materials are available on time and food prepared to the highest of standards in some of the world’s most remote and difficult environments.

From our bases in Aberdeen and Singapore, and as part of the multi-national Northern Marine Group, itself part of the even larger Stena Sphere, Francois Offshore Catering is equipped to meet those challenges.

Our self-provided supply chain network, through our sister company Francois Marine & Offshore, provides greater economies of scale to the benefit of our offshore clients.

And with or Group having an in-house personnel division, Northern Marine Manning Services, it means we can access highly skilled and experienced catering and housekeeping staff from all regions of the world.

Our catering services are enjoyed by crews on various asset types, such as diving support vessel, accommodation barge, pipe-lay vessels, drill ships, semi-submersible vessels, walk-to-work vessels, platforms and drilling units.

We have a deep understanding of the offshore catering industry and the expectations and requirements of the clientele we serve, allowing us to deliver safe, reliable and cost-effective services whilst supporting our clients with their operational objectives.

Offshore Catering and staff morale

It might not seem obvious to outsiders but catering and morale go hand-in-hand. At Francois Offshore Catering we are passionate about nutritional, tasty and high-quality food. A satisfying meal can heighten morale and fuel crew productivity even in the most remote and challenging offshore environments.

Our menus are designed to respect and cater for all palates, incorporating religious and dietary observations. Tailored to our clients' preference, our menus are varied, balanced and cater for the diverse requirements of a multi-national workforce.

ENDS