Hurricane Milton Forces Closure of Ports and Oil Facilities in Gulf of Mexico

Hurricane Milton has prompted the closure of at least one oil and gas platform in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, while ports in Florida have imposed shipping restrictions. Despite most of the U.S. Gulf Coast’s energy infrastructure lying outside the storm zone, terminal closures could impact exports and imports. Meteorologists are forecasting storm surges of 10 to 15 feet and wind gusts of up to 140 mph, with the potential for significant rainfall in the area where Milton makes landfall near Tampa.

President Joe Biden has declared an emergency for Florida in anticipation of Milton’s impact. Energy producer Chevron has closed its Blind Faith platform in the Gulf, located 160 miles southeast of New Orleans. Other Chevron-operated facilities remain at normal production levels. Woodside Energy is monitoring Gulf weather conditions and preparing a response plan.

Shipping restrictions have been implemented at various Florida ports, including Miami, Port Everglades, and Tampa, while some ports in Mississippi and Alabama remain open. LNG facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast are mostly unaffected by the storm, with small amounts of LNG exported from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The situation continues to evolve as authorities and energy companies brace for potential disruptions.

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