The NewsRoom
Release: #3902
Date: October 7, 2008
Minerals Management Service Updates Number
of Offshore Facilities Impacted by Hurricane Ike
Confirmation of
Destruction and Damage Reports from Offshore Operators Continues
NEW ORLEANS Offshore operators continue to
report damage from Hurricane Ike to the Minerals Management Service
(MMS) Gulf of Mexico Regional Office. This information is compiled
and used by MMS staff in reviewing and approving repair plans
submitted by the oil and gas operators in order to resume oil and
gas production from the Gulf of Mexico.
MMS estimates that from September 13, 2008 through
September 14, 2008, approximately 1,450 oil and gas production
platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were exposed to hurricane
conditions, winds greater than 74 miles per hour. As of August 2008,
there were more than 3,800 production platforms in the Gulf of
Mexico; these structures range in size from single well caissons in
water depths of ten feet to a large complex facility in water depth
greater than 7,000 feet.
Offshore Infrastructure Destroyed – As of October 6,
2008, 54 of the 3,800 offshore oil and gas production platforms have
been confirmed as destroyed. Initial estimates are that the 54
destroyed production platforms produced a total of 13,300 barrels of
oil per day and 90 million cubic feet of gas per day. (See table
below.) Currently, MMS has no information on whether any of the
destroyed platforms will be rebuilt by any operator. As MMS
continues to verify damage assessment reports, some platforms
originally designated as having extensive damage may be determined
destroyed. These will be reflected in future damage assessments.
Number of Destroyed
Platforms as of
10/6/08 |
Classified by Daily
Oil
Production Rates |
49 |
Less than 1,000 barrels per day |
5 |
1,000 to 5,000 barrels per day |
0 |
Greater than 5,000 barrels per day |
Damage Reports – Damage reports have been defined by the estimated
time it will take to make the repairs. For damage reporting
purposes, MMS is considering that all platforms experiencing
hurricane strength winds have the potential for minor damage.
Repairs and resumption of production from facilities with minor
damage can be expected to occur in less than one month. Examples of
damage that would be considered minor might include missing heliport
skirting, missing hand rails and pieces of grating or damaged boat
landings.
As of October 6, 2008, MMS has received reports that
indicate 35 platforms with extensive damage which may take from
three to six months to repair. Examples of damage that would be
considered extensive could include underwater structural damage or
major damage to pipelines carrying the oil or natural gas to shore.
Additional reports show that 60 platforms received
moderate damage taking one to three months before production can be
restored. Damage that would be considered moderate may include major
topside damage to critical process equipment such as the platform’s
compressor or damaged risers or flex joints where pipelines connect
to the platforms.
In respect to drilling rigs damaged, MMS has
confirmed a report of one jack-up drilling rig with extensive
damage.
Pipeline Assessments – To date, MMS has received reports of one oil pipeline
system and eight gas transmission pipeline systems with damage. The
analysis of the damages’ impact on resuming production is
continuing. Oil and gas operators and pipeline owners are testing
and inspecting other pipeline systems to evaluate the full extent of
any damage. Considering the large impacted area, it will take some
time to complete the inspections.
Sheen/Spill Observations – MMS will compile and release sheen reports upon
completion of the reporting and confirmation process. There have
been no reports of oil released in the Gulf of Mexico federal waters
impacting the shoreline or affecting birds and wildlife.
Resuming Production – Production from the Gulf of Mexico accounts for 25
percent of the oil produced domestically and 15 percent of the
natural gas produced domestically. As of June 2008, daily production
estimates for the Gulf of Mexico were 1.3 million barrels of oil and
7.0 billion cubic feet of gas. Since that time, gas production from
the Independence Hub facility increased and in August 2008 gas
production from the Gulf was estimated at 7.4 billion cubic feet of
gas per day.
Working with oil and gas operators, there are tools
that can be used to assist in resuming production which is curtailed
because of damaged pipelines. These tools include barging, temporary
flaring, and re-routing of product through other pipelines. Use of
these tools requires that offshore operators submit requests to MMS
for approval.
Contact:
Eileen Angelico
504-736-2595
Caryl Fagot
504-736-2590
MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior
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Last Updated:
10/08/2008,
10:27 AM
Central Time
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