Hurricane Isaias Shuts Down Nearly Two-Thirds of Gulf Oil Production

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil production has been shut down as Hurricane Isaias strengthens ahead of an expected landfall along the northern Gulf Coast, prompting widespread evacuations of offshore platforms and preparations for possible disruptions to ports and maritime operations.

The Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) reported Thursday that approximately 62.9% of daily offshore oil production, or 1.28 million barrels per day, has been shut in as operators move personnel and equipment out of the storm’s path.

Natural gas production has also been affected, with 57.4% of daily output, equivalent to approximately 1.13 billion cubic feet per day, shut in.

The shutdowns represent a sharp increase from Wednesday, when operators reported about 25% of Gulf oil production offline.

According to the MMA’s latest figures, 121 production platforms have been evacuated, representing nearly one-third of the 371 manned platforms operating in the Gulf. Five non-dynamically positioned drilling rigs have also been evacuated, while four dynamically positioned rigs have moved away from the storm’s path.

The disruptions come as Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, continues to strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s 10 a.m. CDT advisory Thursday, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and was located approximately 380 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River, moving east-northeast at 10 mph.

Forecasters expect additional strengthening as the hurricane approaches the northern Gulf Coast, with landfall anticipated late Friday or early Saturday. Hurricane and storm surge warnings are in effect across portions of the coast, with damaging winds, dangerous coastal flooding and heavy rainfall expected.

The U.S. Coast Guard said Thursday it is preparing to respond to the storm’s impacts, including the restoration of port operations once conditions allow.

The agency warned that its ability to conduct rescues could be significantly reduced or unavailable during the height of the hurricane.

“As soon as it is safe to operate after a storm, the Coast Guard, along with our local first responders and federal partners, will provide the life-saving support needed in storm-stricken areas,” the Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard urged commercial mariners and recreational boaters to take precautions, warning that dangerous seas and damaging winds could extend hundreds of miles beyond the hurricane’s projected track.

Port condition changes ordered by Coast Guard Captains of the Port will be announced through official Coast Guard unit channels.

Major offshore operators, including Shell and Chevron, have already begun evacuating personnel and suspending production at several Gulf facilities.

Shell has initiated shutdowns at its Mars, Olympus, Ursa, Vito and Appomattox facilities, while Chevron has suspended operations at four offshore locations as part of its hurricane preparations.

The approaching storm adds another disruption to global oil supplies already under pressure from the conflict in the Middle East, where attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have continued to constrain tanker traffic.

The MMA said offshore production shut-ins are standard precautions during hurricanes. Operators close safety valves to secure wells before evacuating personnel, reducing the risk of uncontrolled releases of oil and gas.

Once the storm passes, offshore facilities will be inspected before production resumes. Undamaged facilities can typically return to service quickly, while installations sustaining damage may require more extensive repairs.

The agency said its latest figures are based on reports from 12 offshore operators as of 11 a.m. CDT Thursday. Additional updates are expected as the storm approaches the coast.

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