8 Largest Oil Rigs in the World: Offshore Industry Giants
When it comes to engineering marvels within the industry, there are a few structures that are as impressive as the world’s largest oil rigs.
These colossal platforms are not just feats of engineering but also play a crucial role in meeting global energy demands. Let’s take a journey into the deep waters to explore the biggest oil rigs in the world.
1. Prelude FLNG, Australia
Located off the coast of Australia, Prelude FLNG is the largest floating structure ever built. This behemoth, operated by Shell, measures an incredible 488 meters in length and weighs around 600,000 tones when fully loaded. It is designed to produce 3.6 million tons of LNG per year, showcasing an impressive blend of size and productivity.
2. Hibernia Platform, Canada
Standing tall in the harsh waters off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, the Hibernia Platform is one of the largest offshore platforms by weight. This gravity-based structure weighs in at 1.2 million ton and is designed to withstand collisions with icebergs. It can produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, a testament to its robust engineering.
3. Petronius Platform, Gulf of Mexico
Located in the Gulf of Mexico, the Petronius Platform is one of the world’s largest tallest freestanding structures. Owned by Chevron, this compliant tower extends 610 meters from the seabed to the surface. It produces around 60,000 barrels of oil and 100 million cubit feet of natural gas per day, highlighting its significant contribution to energy production.
4. Troll A Platform, North Sea
The Troll A Platform in the North Sea is the tallest structure ever moved by mankind. Operated by Equinor, this gravity-based platform stands 472 meters tall and weighs 1.2 million tons. It is a gas production platform with an impressive capacity, contributing significantly to Norway’s gas exports.
5. Perdido Spar, Gulf of Mexico
Another Gulf of Mexico giant, the Perdido Spar is the world’s deepest oil platform, operating in waters nearly 2,450 meters deep. This Shell-operated rig can produce up to 100,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of gas per day. The Perdido Spar’s innovative design includes a cylindrical hull, allowing it to remain stable in deep waters.
6. Berkut Platform, Russia
Situated in the frigid waters on the Sea of Okhotsk, Russia, the Berkut Platform is one of the largest oil rigs in the world. This ice-resistant platform can withstand temperatures as low as -44 degrees Celsius and can produce 12,000 tons of oil per day. Its design includes a massive base weighing 200,000 tons to endure the harsh environmental conditions.
7. Thunder Horse PDQ, Gulf of Mexico
Thunder Horse PDQ, operated by BP in the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the largest semi-submersible production and drilling platforms. With a production capacity of 250,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, this platform plays a key role in the region’s energy output. It’s designed to operate in water depths of up to 1,830 meters.
8. Heidrun TLP, Norwegian Sea
The Heidrun TLP in Norwegian Sea is a pioneering structure, being the world’s first Tension Leg Platform constructed with a concrete hull. Operated by Equinor, it stands in 350 meters of water and has a production capacity of around 145,000 barrels of oil per day. Its innovative design provides excellent stability, crucial for operations in rough sea conditions.
The scale and complexity of these oil rigs are awe-inspiring, reflecting the incredible advancements in engineering and technology. As technology evolves, who knows what new records will be set in the future? For now, these eight rigs stand as monumental achievements in the quest for energy.
At Visuna, we can supply you with skilled personnel to join your oil rig team. Contact our recruiters today to find out how we can support you in your next project.
