Tropical Storm Helene is expected to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, potentially reaching 115 mph by Thursday, risking strong winds and heavy rain for Cuba and Florida. Offshore oil production is affected, with 16% shut down and evacuations underway as companies prioritize safety amid the storm.
A brewing dispute over oil production in the Gulf of Mexico has raised concerns in Washington. U.S. regulators must update guidelines to protect endangered species, potentially impacting 15% of the country’s crude oil output. A court ruling demands a revised scientific assessment by December 20, threatening to halt oil and gas production in the region. Industry stakeholders are working to find solutions to the looming crisis.
The oil industry is pushing the boundaries of offshore exploration with plans to drill a record-breaking deepwater well in Colombia. Occidental Petroleum Corp. and Ecopetrol SA are preparing to explore Colombia’s Caribbean waters, aiming to drill the Komodo-1 well to a depth of about 3,900 meters, surpassing current records.
The Johan Castberg oil field exploration ship is preparing to set sail for the Barents Sea, marking a significant step in Norway’s oil extraction efforts in the Arctic. Equinor CEO, Anders Opedal, views this development as a gateway to new oil discoveries and increased production capacity. Despite criticism, Norway remains committed to expanding its energy resources from the Arctic region.
Norway halted all offshore oil and gas helicopter traffic following a fatal crash. A Sikorsky S-92A crashed during a rescue training mission, killing one and injuring five. The Civil Aviation Authority may ground the S-92A as it investigates. Oil companies Equinor, Aker BP, and ConocoPhillips suspended helicopter operations.
Norwegian shipowners Eidesvik Offshore and Agalas collaborate to build an innovative Construction Support Vessel (CSV) for subsea and offshore wind operations. The environmentally friendly ship will have methanol-powered engines and a battery hybrid system. With Eidesvik retaining a majority stake, the vessel is expected to be a game-changer in the maritime industry.
