The devastation wrought by Hurricane Ida to the U.S. Gulf Coast and offshore became clearer on Wednesday, as oil and natural gas operations sputtered to restart. However, only a few customers in New Orleans on Wednesday were able to turn the lights on, as power outages remained widespread along the coast.

Reports indicated it could be weeks before power is restored across the region and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) oil and natural gas industry is fully back to work. The Port Fourchon, LA, region is home base for about 90% of output from deepwater oil and gas wells, and it serves roughly 250 energy companies. The port and surrounding region are facing daunting challenges. 

‘Long Road Ahead’

“There is no electricity and there will be no electricity for a long time,” Port...