The Petronius Compliant Tower, located in the Gulf of Mexico, is the tallest maritime oil rig, reaching 640 meters (2,100 feet) from the seabed. It was the tallest freestanding structure globally until the Burj Khalifa surpassed it in 2010. Designed for deepwater conditions, the tower flexes to withstand ocean currents and extracts 60,000 barrels of oil and 100 million cubic feet of gas daily. Originally developed by Texaco and Marathon Oil, it is currently operated by Chevron.
Compliant towers like Petronius are engineered to move with ocean forces, making them suitable for depths between 400 to 1,000 meters. The Petronius structure consists of a narrow, flexible tower with a foundation anchored to the seabed, built in sections and assembled at sea. The construction cost exceeded $500 million, with notable setbacks, including a lost module that delayed operations.
The platform plays a crucial role in U.S. oil production, tapping into the Petronius Oil Field, 210 km southeast of New Orleans. With extensive living and operational facilities, it can accommodate 60-70 personnel per shift. Safety measures include adherence to spill prevention protocols and rigorous training for crew members on emergency procedures, reflecting the industry’s commitment to environmental safeguards.
