All U.S.-Gulf dynamically positioned rigs moved off location for storm
NEW ORLEANS —As part of ongoing monitoring, BSEE reports that all dynamically positioned drilling rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico moved off location prior to the storm and have been accounted for by BSEE District staff. Through real-time monitoring capabilities, BSEE can confirm that as of 11:30 a.m. CDT August 29, all mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) in the U.S Gulf of Mexico are keeping station. MODUs include both jackup and moored drilling rigs.
Based on data from offshore operator reports submitted as of 11:30 a.m. CDT today, personnel have been evacuated from a total of 505 production platforms, equivalent to 84.73% of the 596 manned platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Production platforms are the structures located offshore from which oil and natural gas are produced. Unlike drilling rigs, which typically move from location to location, production facilities remain in the same location throughout a project’s duration.
Personnel have been evacuated from 50 rigs, equivalent to 65.79% of the 76 rigs currently operating in the Gulf. Rigs can include several types of self-contained offshore drilling facilities including jackup rigs, submersibles and semisubmersibles.
From operator reports, it is estimated that approximately 94.72% of the current daily oil production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut-in. It is also estimated that approximately 71.64% of the current daily natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut-in. The production percentages are calculated using information submitted by offshore operators in daily reports. Shut-in production information included in these reports is based on the amount of oil and gas the operator expected to produce that day. The shut-in production figures therefore are estimates, which BSEE compares to historical production reports to ensure the estimates follow a logical pattern.
After the hurricane has passed, facilities will be inspected. Once all standard checks have been completed, production from undamaged facilities will be brought back on line immediately. Facilities sustaining damage may take longer to bring back on line. BSEE will continue to update the evacuation and shut-in statistics at 1:00 p.m. CDT each day as appropriate.
08/29/2012