In its final assessment of destroyed and damaged facilities in this past summer’s hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) Gulf of Mexico (GOM) staff estimated that 2,127 production platforms were exposed to winds that were higher than 74 mph.

MMS, which coordinated its assessment with oil and natural gas operators, noted that as of August, there were more than 3,800 production platforms in the GOM; these structures range in size from single well caissons in water depths of 10 feet to a large complex facility in a water depth more than 7,000 feet.

Final results of the assessment indicate that 60 platforms were destroyed as a result of the two hurricanes. Some platforms, which had been previously reported as having “extensive damage,” were reassessed and determined to be destroyed. The destroyed platforms produced 13,657 b/d of oil and 96.5 MMcf/d of gas, or around 1.05% of the oil and 1.3% of the gas produced daily in the offshore.

MMS also confirmed that 31 platforms with extensive damage may take three to six months to repair. Damage that would be considered extensive could include underwater structural damage or major damage to pipelines carrying the oil or gas to shore. In addition, 93 platforms suffered moderate damage, which may take one to three months to repair. Moderate damage includes major topside damage to damage to critical process equipment such as the platform’s compressor or damaged risers or flex joints where pipelines connect to the platforms.

To see more detailed information on the damage assessment, visit www.mms.gov.

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