GoM Oil and Gas Operators Evacuate Platforms, Rigs Ahead of Storm

Offshore oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico have started evacuating platforms and rigs in the path of a Tropical Depression 9, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said Monday.

Based on data from offshore operator reports submitted as of 11:30 a.m. CDT today, personnel have been evacuated from a total of six production platforms and one non-dynamically positioned rig. Five DP rigs have also moved off location out of the storm’s path as a precaution, the BSEE said.

From operator reports, the BSEE estimates that approximately 11.48 percent of the current oil production and 5.51 percent of the natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut-in.

For comparison, currently there are 781 manned platforms, 16 non-DP rigs, and 25 DP rigs, according to the BSEE.

The National Hurricane Center reported Monday that TD 9 was located over the extreme southeastern Gulf of Mexico and was moving west at 7 mph. The storm has max sustained winds of 35 mph. The storm is forecast to reach tropical storm strengthen Monday night as it turns in a west-northwest direction and then north towards the Florida coast, where it is expected to make landfall on Thursday.

The BSEE said that after the storm passes all facilities impacted will be inspected before coming back online.