Supermajor BP has begun removing personnel from multiple Gulf of Mexico platforms as Tropical Storm Bertha approaches, following similar actions by Chevron, according to Splash247.
Storm Preparations Underway
BP said it evacuated some nonessential personnel from its Thunder Horse and Na Kika platforms in the US Gulf as a precaution ahead of the approaching storm, reported Splash247. The move comes after US supermajor Chevron was the first to begin weather-related shutdowns, pulling personnel off offshore assets and suspending output at its Petronius facility.
Platforms Affected
Below is a summary of the platforms and actions taken by each company, as reported by Splash247:
| Company | Platform | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Chevron | Petronius | Suspended output; personnel removed |
| Chevron | Tubular Bells | Nonessential staff removed |
| Chevron | Blind Faith | Nonessential staff removed |
| BP | Thunder Horse | Some nonessential personnel evacuated |
| BP | Na Kika | Some nonessential personnel evacuated |
Operational Status
Chevron also removed nonessential staff from its Tubular Bells and Blind Faith platforms as part of storm preparations, according to Splash247. The company added that production from its other Chevron-operated Gulf of Mexico assets remained at normal levels.
Tropical Storm Bertha continues to move across the Gulf of Mexico, with sustained winds around 95 kph. Splash247 noted that the most intense parts of the storm are staying offshore, but the Gulf coast will still experience dangerous surf conditions through Wednesday.
Implications for Oil Markets
While no production volume estimates have been released, the temporary shutdown of Chevron's Petronius facility and the evacuation of BP's Thunder Horse and Na Kika platforms could reduce Gulf of Mexico crude output in the near term. The Gulf of Mexico is a key source of US oil production, and any disruption, even brief, can affect supply balances. Traders will monitor the storm's path and any further announcements from operators as Bertha moves through the region.
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