Major oil and gas producers in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico have decided to evacuate offshore platforms, work crews and operational vehicles in preparation for the approach of Tropical Storm Francine.
The action to evacuate offshore platforms due to storm Francine
Tropical Storm Francine could cause a potentially deadly storm surge along the north Texas and Louisiana coasts, as well as hurricane force winds in southern Louisiana this week. Authorities have distributed sandbags and other materials to residents of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, to combat the expected storm surge.
Exxon Mobil has suspended production and evacuated personnel from its offshore Hoover platform. Shell has also halted drilling operations on its Perdido and Whale platforms. Chevron has emphasized the safety of its personnel, the integrity of its facilities and the protection of the environment. BP has not commented, while Occidental Petroleum is ready to implement storm plans as needed.
The storm is moving across the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become the fourth hurricane of the Atlantic season by Wednesday. The U.S. Coast Guard has imposed restrictions on shipping in some Texas ports, such as Corpus Christi, although the ports of Freeport, Galveston and New Orleans remain open.
Francine’s trajectory increases the risk to oil and gas production facilities as well as liquefied natural gas(LNG) export plants in the United States. The federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico account for approximately 15% of the country’s total crude oil production and 2% of natural gas production.
Separately, Freeport LNG, which operates the nation’s second-largest LNG export facility, has begun preparations for the storm. The port of Freeport, Texas, is open for commercial traffic, but ships must report their movements.
Texas authorities have urged residents to prepare for tropical storm conditions along the coast. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has warned of the possibility of flash flooding and heavy rains that could affect the Gulf Coast this week.
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Source: Offshore Engineer
Photo: NOAA/NWS National Hurricane Center
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