GoM Operators Redeploy Workers after Tropical Storm Karen Passes

BP has begun redeploying  workers to its production platforms in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and taking steps to resume normal operations offshore.

The moves come after the National Hurricane Center downgraded Tropical Storm Karen to a depression, and the storm moved closer to shore, no longer posing a threat to BP’s production platforms and drilling rigs.

“Oil and natural gas production will remain shut-in until we have confirmation that company-operated platforms are able to operate safely; offshore pipeline companies have confirmed the operability of offshore pipelines, shore-based transportation and receiving systems are working as necessary; and we have received any regulatory approvals required for start-up.

At this time, we cannot predict how long this will take, but safety will be our overriding priority as we move through this process,” BP said in a release.

According to Bloomberg, BHP Billiton and Anadarko also began redeploying their workers on offshore installations.

In an update released yesterday, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said that 269 platforms and 20 drilling rigs were evacuated due to Karen.

The approach of the storm closed 61.1% of total Gulf of Mexico oil production, and 47.88 % of gas production.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, October 07, 2013