Safety Before, During & After the Storm
The offshore energy industry prepares year-round for hurricanes and severe weather in the Gulf of America. Long before a storm approaches, operators work with regulators and other stakeholders to develop response plans that protect personnel, secure offshore facilities and enable operations to shut down safely when necessary. These precautionary actions are driven by safety and can begin well before a storm reaches offshore facilities.
When a storm threatens offshore operations, companies may begin evacuating personnel and shutting down production days before severe weather arrives. These precautionary actions are taken first and foremost to protect offshore workers and the environment. Operations resume only after facilities and supporting infrastructure have been inspected and determined safe.
Storm-related disruptions can temporarily reduce offshore production and affect energy markets, particularly if severe weather also impacts refineries, pipelines, ports or other infrastructure. However, it is important to distinguish those potential storm impacts from broader market conditions. If oil, gasoline or diesel prices are already elevated before offshore shutdowns begin, those higher prices reflect factors already at work in the market rather than the precautionary actions taken in advance of the storm.
Decades of experience operating in the Gulf of America have strengthened the industry's approach to severe weather. Offshore facilities, safety systems, evacuation procedures and emergency response plans are designed around the reality that hurricanes are a recurring part of operating in the Gulf of America.
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The Priority
Before, during and after every storm, the priorities remain the same: protect people, protect the environment and safely restore operations.
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The Offshore Evacuation Process
Phase 1
Monitor & Prepare
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Phase 2
Secure & Evacuate
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Phase 3
Shut Down & Clear the Area
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Conditions Can Change Quickly
Hurricanes & Energy Markets
Severe weather can affect energy markets when a storm disrupts offshore production, refineries, pipelines, ports or other critical infrastructure. Because the Gulf Coast is a major hub for U.S. energy production, refining and transportation, disruptions can affect fuel supplies and prices well beyond the immediate path of a storm.
It is also important to distinguish hurricane-related impacts from broader market conditions already in place. Prices that are elevated before storm-related shutdowns begin are driven by factors already affecting the market, not precautionary evacuations and shutdowns taken ahead of the storm.
If a hurricane subsequently disrupts refining or pipeline operations, the loss of gasoline or diesel production can tighten fuel supplies and put upward pressure on prices. At the same time, reduced refinery demand for crude oil can put downward pressure on crude prices, meaning a major storm can affect different parts of the energy market in different ways.
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Designed For
100-Year
Storms |
Offshore rigs built since 1988 are designed to withstand “100-year storm” conditions, including the extreme wind and wave conditions associated with major hurricanes. |
| ✓ Offshore platform and structural design |
✓ Moored and jack-up drilling rig fitness requirements |
| ✓ Well securing and safety systems |
✓ Inspection requirements |
| ✓ Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) and tracking systems |
✓ Equipment and tie-down requirements |
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1
Assess
Conduct aerial surveys to identify visible damage, spills or other potential hazards.
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2
Inspect
Send assessment crews offshore when conditions allow to physically inspect facilities.
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3
Verify
Evaluate pipelines and other supporting infrastructure for potential damage.
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4
Restart
Resume production and drilling operations only after facilities and supporting infrastructure are determined safe.
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Tracking through the storm: GPS and remote monitoring systems also help operators track mobile offshore drilling units before, during and after severe weather. |
Safety Drives Every Decision
