Beginning to End of Offshore Oil and Gas Production

We previously looked briefly at offshore oil and gas production infrastructure, and noted that sometimes specialized ocean-going vessels are used to transport the crude from the platform to shore. We noted that this operation is intricate, dangerous, fascinating, and worthy of being observed, contemplated and applauded.

Here’s a brief (and amateurish) overview.

Again, for context, we note that offshore platforms are located far from the coast and require specialized vessels to transport the oil and gas extracted from them to shore. These vessels must be designed to navigate the harsh sea conditions, and they must be able to get close enough to the platform to load the product for shipping across the ocean.

Several types of vessels can be used for this purpose. One common type is the tanker vessel, which is best for large volumes. Tankers are huge and have multiple compartments within them to store the oil. They are loaded with a hose that extends from the platform to the tanker’s piping system. The oil is pumped from the platform, and into the tanker, and then fills the compartments. Then off goes the tanker.

Another type of vessel is the smaller shuttle tanker. Shuttle tankers are typically used when the platform is located in deep water, making it difficult for larger vessels to get close enough to load the product. Shuttle tankers are equipped with sophisticated positioning systems that allow them to maintain a precise position relative to the platform. This makes it easier to load the product without damaging the platform or the tanker.

Here is an excellent animated video showing how a shuttle tanker connects to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO). Not a platform, but still this is informative.

In some cases, offshore oil platforms are also connected to onshore pipelines. This allows the oil to be transported directly from the platform to a storage facility on land. In these cases, specialized vessels called pipeline barges may be used to transport the product to shore. These barges are essentially floating pipelines, and they are designed to transport the oil without spilling it into the ocean.

All in all, the process of using vessels to move crude from offshore production further into the supply chain, is yet again, a marvel of engineering, operational intelligence, risk management, and capital planning. And it is all done so that we have easy access to refined products and can fill our cars with gasoline.

Makes you stop and think, right?