The company will also slash around 525 consultants and implement additional changes in the organization over the next 18 months, in an effort to standardize, simplify and increase efficiency of its operations.
Statoil CEO and executive vice-president Anders Opedal: "We regret the need for further reductions, but the improvements are necessary to strengthen Statoil’s competitiveness and secure our future value creation."
The move comes in line with the company’s aim to save $1.7bn annually from the improvement program, which include simplification of work processes, clear accountability and enable growth opportunities, in 2016, and beyond.
According to the company, further changes and adjustments to the business areas’ organisational set would be unveiled by the end of the month in order to realize the full potential of the improvement program.
Statoil people and organisation senior vice-president Magne Hovden said: "Decisions on workforce reductions as a consequence of increased efficiency will be made in each Business Area, based on assessments involving leaders and employee representatives, and local consultation.
"When this is completed, we will know the accuracy of the current estimated range. This work will take place in the Business areas in the period from August to November."
Launched in 2013, the improvement program and prioritization of capital expenditure is intended to address cost and competitiveness challenge ahead of the current downturn, across the industry.
To date, the program has led to reduction of 1340 permanent employees and 995 external consultants.
"We have so far solved the workforce surplus through voluntary measures, and maintain the ambition to conduct the people process over the next 18 months without forced measures," Hovden noted.