
Fatal Fire Engulfs Pemex Offshore Platform in Gulf of Mexico
Posted 10/07/2023 11:20
A large fire erupted early on Friday morning on an offshore platform in the Cantarell oil field, operated by the state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), in the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico. The incident resulted in casualties, evacuation of workers, and significant implications for oil production. Here are the details:
Pemex confirmed that at least two people were killed and one person is missing in the fire that occurred at the Nohoch Alfa offshore platform. Out of the 328 workers present during the incident, 321 have been successfully evacuated, and efforts are underway to locate the missing individual. The platform suffered extensive damage, and Pemex is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador provided updates on the situation, stating that Pemex firefighters and the Mexican Navy were working to combat the blaze. The fire was reported to be of considerable magnitude, visible from nearby platforms. Pemex, which has a history of major industrial accidents, assured that it would continue to provide updates on the control and extinguishing of the fire, as well as damage assessment.
The fire had a significant impact on oil production in the Cantarell Field. Pemex confirmed that two workers died, one person remained missing, and six others sustained injuries. Video footage circulating on social media showed the platform engulfed in flames, while nearby boats attempted to control the fire. Pemex stated that the incident caused a substantial reduction in oil production, but did not provide specific details on the extent of the impact or the measures being taken to restore operations.
Cantarell, once one of the world's most productive oil fields, has experienced a decline in output over the past decade. However, it still accounts for an average of 170,000 barrels per day. The Bay of Campeche, where Pemex operates numerous shallow water fields, is a significant region for Mexican oil production but has also witnessed several industrial accidents in recent years.
Pemex's current challenges include a substantial debt of $105 billion as of September 2022 and the pressure to boost production after years of losses. The company has faced safety scandals, including multiple fires in February and a fatal underwater gas pipeline rupture in 2021. The fire on the offshore platform exacerbates these concerns and raises questions about safety protocols and the company's ability to ensure energy independence.
Despite reports from an anonymous Pemex source that oil production will remain unaffected, the incident comes at an unfavorable time for the company. Pemex is under scrutiny for its debt burden and recent controversial capital outlays, such as the purchase of the Deer Park refinery in Texas for $600 million. Cantarell, although its production has declined, remains a significant asset for Mexico's oil industry.