Offshore operations are carried out worldwide, primarily due to growing maritime trade and energy demands. A substantial share of the global oil and gas reserves lies offshore, while stronger, steadier winds at sea render offshore wind farms more viable. They also support scientific research via oceanographic studies. Let’s delve into this complex, yet fascinating world.
An overview of the offshore oil and gas industry
Offshore operations entail an extensive range of activities, such as exploration, exploration drilling, development drilling, production, workover, and the transportation of hydrocarbons situated beneath the Earth’s oceans and seas.
The key milestones of offshore oil and gas industry history
- While onshore drilling dates back centuries, offshore drilling for oil in salt water began off the coast of Summerfield, California, just south of Santa Barbara, in 1896. During this period, wells were drilled from piers extending from the land into the channel.
- Transitioning into the early 1930s, the Texas Co., later known as Texaco and now Chevron, pioneered the development of the first mobile steel barges designed for drilling in the brackish coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico.
- In 1937, a field located one mile offshore in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, with a water depth of 14 feet, was developed by Pure Oil (now Chevron) in collaboration with its partner Superior Oil (now ExxonMobil). A fixed platform was employed for this venture.
- Subsequently, in 1946, Magnolia Petroleum (now ExxonMobil) undertook drilling activities at a site situated 18 miles off the coast. They erected a platform in 18 feet of water off St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, marking another significant development in offshore exploration.
- In 1947, another significant milestone in offshore drilling history unfolded as Kerr-McGee Oil Industries accomplished the drilling of the first productive well beyond the visibility of land. This groundbreaking achievement took place 10.5 miles off the Louisiana coast, still within relatively shallow waters, approximately 18 feet deep. By this juncture, drilling technology had undergone substantial advancements, surpassing the methodologies employed in the initial well excavations in Summerfield. The transition from unidirectional pile drivers to sophisticated rotary rigs marked a notable evolution in drilling techniques. Moreover, a shift towards using steel instead of wooden structures for drilling gained traction among firms. This shift was propelled by the recognition of steel-enhanced structural integrity for rigs and its cost-effectiveness over the well’s lifespan.
- Pioneering a practice known as “barge drilling,” offshore operators like Texaco and Shell have spearheaded the towing of small mobile platforms to fresh locations following the completion of drilling operations. As these oil companies became increasingly adept at navigating the offshore environment, they incorporated land-drilling techniques, particularly in the distinctively shallow continental shelf of the Gulf of Mexico.
The growth of offshore oil and gas activity
In 1954, offshore oil production amounted to a mere 133,000 barrels per day, constituting a mere 2 percent of the total U.S. production during that period. As legal disputes were largely settled, the trajectory of offshore production experienced a consistent ascent, reaching 1.7 million barrels per day around 1971. This output accounted for approximately 20 percent of the total U.S. production at that time, a notable increase during a period marked by the industry’s recovery from a pivotal watershed event.
The offshore oil and gas market is poised for significant growth, driven by rising demand for deepwater, shallow water, and ultra-deepwater drilling. The market segments based on the type include liquefied natural gas, heavy crude oil, and light crude oil.
A glance at offshore drilling activities (jack-ups, semi-submersible rigs, undersea production).
As exploration delved into deeper waters up to 100 feet, fixed platform rigs were initially constructed. However, as the demand for drilling equipment increased in the 100- to 400-foot depths of the Gulf of Mexico, the first jack-up rigs made their debut through specialized offshore drilling contractors like ENSCO International.
The genesis of semi-submersibles can be traced back to a 1961 incident when the Blue Water Drilling Company, working for Shell Oil Company, introduced the four-column submersible Blue Water Rig No.1 in the Gulf of Mexico. Due to insufficient buoyancy in the pontoons to support the rig’s weight and consumables, it was towed between locations at a mid-way draft, balancing between the top of the pontoons and the deck’s underside. Upon observation of minimal motions at this draft, Blue Water Drilling and Shell collaboratively determined that the rig could effectively operate in the floating mode.
In 1963, the inaugural purpose-built drilling semi-submersible, Ocean Driller, made its debut. Since then, numerous semi-submersibles have been specifically crafted for the mobile offshore fleet within the drilling industry. The CUSS 1, the pioneering offshore drillship, was engineered for the Mohole project, aiming to penetrate the Earth’s crust.
The competitive rig fleet currently encompasses 620 mobile offshore drilling rigs, including jack-ups, semisubs, drill ships, and barges, all poised and ready for service.
Who are the key players in the offshore industry?
A wide range of players is involved in different aspects of the value chain of the offshore industry. Here are some of the major ones in the different fields concerned.
Offshore oil and gas industry
International oil companies (IOCs) are responsible for exploring, developing, and producing oil and gas. Some of the biggest IOCs include companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, and TotalEnergies.
Besides, national oil companies (NOCs) are owned by states and play a dominant role in many countries. Some of the most known are Saudi Aramco, Petrobras (Brazil), CNPC (China), Gazprom (Russia), and QatarEnergy.
The market also includes offshore drilling contractors that provide the rigs and expertise needed to drill for oil and gas offshore. We can mention:
- Transocean, the world’s largest offshore drilling specialist, with a fleet of ultra-deepwater drillships and semi-submersibles.
- Valaris has a diverse fleet of rigs operating in various regions.
- Seadrill focuses on harsh environments and ultra-deepwater drilling.
- Diamond Offshore, which owns a fleet of rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, and the North Sea.
- Noble Corporation, which mainly operates in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Last, service companies provide a wide range of services and technologies to the offshore industry, such as completion, undersea engineering, and pipeline construction. Some of the largest ones are Schlumberger (France), Halliburton (Texas, United States), Baker Hughes (Texas, United States), TechnipFMC (United Kingdom), and Saipem (Italy).
Offshore wind industry
Orsted, Equinor, Vattenfall, and EDP Renewables are some of the leading offshore wind farm companies.
Other key actors
Governments play a key role in the offshore oil and gas industry, through regulation, taxation, and licensing. They also have a responsibility for ensuring the safety and environmental sustainability of offshore operations.
Furthermore, financial institutions provide funds for offshore projects, which can be very capital-intensive.
Last, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) raise awareness of the environmental and social impacts of the offshore industry, and in advocating for responsible practices.
Where are the main offshore fields located?
Offshore operations vary significantly across regions due to distinct factors such as natural conditions, regulatory constraints, and available resources. In some areas, these activities are more advanced, shaped by the interplay of these elements, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of offshore operations depending on the region.
Offshore wind farms
Offshore oil and gas drilling and exploitation
As of January 2023, the leading market for offshore wind is China, boasting 105 operational farms worldwide. China stands out as the foremost consumer of wind energy, contributing to a third of the global wind energy generation. China also lays claim to the title of “biggest onshore wind farm” with its Gansu Province behemoth, and its remarkable capacity of 7,965 megawatts—five times greater than its closest competitor.
But China isn’t the only player in the game. The United Kingdom, Germany, and Vietnam follow closely with 39, 28, and 26 offshore wind farms respectively.
The strategic advantage of these locations for harnessing the potential of wind energy is the combination of long coastlines, shallow waters, and strong winds.
The central and western Gulf of Mexico, including the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, currently is the primary hub for offshore oil and natural gas development, boasting thousands of operational platforms situated in waters with depths of up to 6,000 feet. A titan of steel named Perdido Spar, operated by Royal Dutch Shell, holds the title of the deepest platform, floating in waters that plunge to a depth of 2,438 meters. Its construction demanded a substantial investment of $3 billion.
However, over the years, the exploration has expanded to other regions:
- North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico)
- Europe, mainly in the North Sea off Norway, Denmark, and the UK, but also Germany, France, Italy, Russia (specifically in Sakhalin), and Turkey.
- Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam)
- South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc.)
- Middle East and Africa (Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, Angola and South Africa)
What does the future hold for the offshore industry?
Besides energy, offshore operations are crucial for exploring and extracting valuable resources like minerals and precious metals used by diverse industries. Offshore operations generate significant employment opportunities in various sectors, including engineering, construction, maritime transportation, and maintenance. This can contribute to economic growth and development for coastal communities.
However, given the anticipated expansion of offshore operations, the industry must transform to address the environmental and safety challenges. This includes protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity, reducing air and water pollution, and ensuring worker, material, and infrastructure safety. Impact studies during operational planning are crucial to mitigate risks and preserve marine life.
Overall, while acknowledging the potential drawbacks, offshore operations play a vital role in fulfilling various global needs related to energy, resources, trade, and scientific research. Balancing these benefits with responsible practices and environmental considerations is crucial for sustainable development in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions About Offshore Operations
Some key milestones include the pioneering offshore drilling off the coast of Summerfield, California in 1896, the development of mobile steel barges in the 1930s, and the drilling of the first productive well beyond the visibility of land in 1947.
Major players include International Oil Companies (IOCs) like ExxonMobil and Shell, National Oil Companies (NOCs) such as Saudi Aramco and Petrobras, offshore drilling contractors like Transocean and Seadrill, and service companies such as Schlumberger and Halliburton.
The primary hub for offshore oil and gas development is the central and western Gulf of Mexico, but exploration has expanded to regions across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa.
The future of offshore operations involves not only energy production but also exploration for minerals and precious metals. However, addressing environmental and safety challenges, including protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring worker safety, will be crucial for sustainable development.
Major offshore operations encompass a range of activities, including exploration, drilling (both exploration and development drilling), production, workover (maintenance and enhancement of existing wells), and the transportation of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) from offshore fields to onshore facilities.
Additionally, offshore operations extend to the construction and maintenance of offshore platforms, pipelines, and other infrastructure necessary for extracting and processing oil and gas from beneath the Earth’s oceans and seas.
These operations are conducted by a variety of stakeholders, including oil companies, drilling contractors, service companies, and regulatory bodies.
