GoM oil production increases as workers return following Storm Nate

After Tropical Storm Nate fizzled out, offshore oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico have begun re-boarding platforms and rigs.

According to Monday’s report by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), based on data from offshore operator reports submitted as of 11:30 CDT, personnel remain evacuated from a total of 142 production platforms, which is 19.27 percent of the 737 manned platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

In comparison, BSEE’s reports from Sunday stated that personnel was still evacuated from 298 production platforms.

Personnel has been evacuated from 8 non-dynamically positioned (DP) drilling rigs which is equivalent to 40 percent of the 20 rigs of this type currently operating in the Gulf.

Seven DP rigs are still off location out of the hurricane’s path as a precaution. This number represents 38.9 percent of the 18 DP rigs currently operating in the Gulf.

From operator reports, it is estimated that approximately 85.09 percent of the current oil production in the Gulf of Mexico remains shut-in, which equates to 1,489,101 barrels of oil per day. It is also estimated that approximately 64.78 percent of the natural gas production or 2,085.98 million cubic feet per day in the Gulf of Mexico is shut-in.

The BSEE added that, now that the storm has passed, operators would continue to re-board and inspect facilities. Once all standard checks have been completed, production from undamaged facilities will be brought back online immediately.

Any facilities that sustained damage may take longer to bring back online. At the moment, no damages have been reported.