How Offshore Oil Rigs Work

Offshore oil platforms are used to extract oil from beneath the seabed. This tutorial explains the process of offshore oil drilling, the equipment used, and the duties of the various workers on the rig.

Before drilling can begin, geologists conduct seabed surveys to determine the best location for the rig. Once the site is selected, the rig is towed to the location and anchored. Offshore oil rigs are designed for long-term operation and typically remain in one location for years.

There are three types of workers on an offshore oil platform: production workers, maintenance workers, and service workers. Production workers are responsible for extracting and processing the oil. Maintenance workers maintain the facilities and equipment, while service workers cook, clean and take care of the crew.

Offshore oil platforms operate around the clock, with workers working a 12-hour shift schedule and then having two to three weeks off. The work schedule is designed so that the rig is always manned with the least number of workers possible. This reduces the space required for accommodation and keeps costs down.

Helicopters are used to transport workers to and from the rig. This is one of the largest commercial applications of helicopters, and companies like Bristow Aviation have emerged to service offshore oil rigs. The North Sea oil field, for example, is primarily connected to Aberdeen, Scotland, which has the busiest helipad in the world.

Platform supply vessels are used to transport supplies and equipment to the rig. These vessels are essentially mini-cargo ships that have a short range and are flexible. They are used to supply the rig with everything from food and water to spare parts and equipment.

Offshore drilling rigs are inherently more expensive and risky than onshore drilling, but they are necessary because many of the world’s oil reserves are under the seabed. By clustering rigs in areas such as the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea, companies can minimize costs and share resources.

In summary, offshore oil rigs are complex and expensive operations that require the coordination of many different workers and resources. However, they are necessary to extract oil from the seabed and meet the world’s energy needs.