Bad weather has led to helicopter flight cancellations which could leave hundreds of workers stranded in the North Sea over Christmas.

French oil giant TotalEnergies has confirmed that around 300 people are due home from the Danish sector, but are still waiting to come ashore.

It is understood crews on the Tyra development, including some Scottish workers, are affected.

But the Press and Journal says the firm has pledged to do its utmost to bring all stranded workers back before Christmas.

Three boats have been sourced by the company. The first vessel left Danish docks at the weekend.

TotalEnergies has said that it is in "close dialogue" with Offshore Helicopter Services Denmark.

Increase flights

The firm is also in contact with another helicopter supplier to increase the number of flights when the weather permits.

The French oil major explained that the blame for the cancelled helicopters lies with "triggered lighting".

This meteorological phenomenon is caused by polar air passing over a warmer sea surface. So far, this has led to the cancellation of 52 flights in November and December.

The firm says that in the same period in 2021 there were zero cancellations of helicopters as a result of this issue.

TotalEnergies has said that the effects of this weather phenomenon cannot be counteracted with de-icing systems.

A spokesperson said: "Helicopter transports during wintertime around the North Sea are always challenging due to ice, fog, wind speeds and other factors.

Serviced by helicopters

"All our manned offshore installations are normally serviced by helicopters, which on a normal weekday transport approximately 130 people back and forth out of a total workforce offshore of around 1,250.

"Since the flights have not been able to take place to the required extent, there are about 300 people who should have left and are now awaiting transport to shore.

"We never compromise with the safety of our employees - neither on the platforms offshore nor during the transport back and forth between Esbjerg and the fields 250 km out in the North Sea.

"We will do our utmost to bring all stranded people back before Christmas."

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