Marine Link
Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Offshore Oil

"Offshore" refers to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources which lie underwater. Usually the term refers to ocean-based oil extraction , though the term can also apply to drilling in lakes and inland seas. The remote locations and harsh conditions of offshore oil production present different challenges than do land-based operations. Platforms and facilities must be carefully designed, assembled, and maintained to ensure safe, productive, and environmentally responsible operations.

Crew supplies , transportation, and waste disposal all rely on support vessels, and must be carefully coordinated to make the most of limited time, space, and resources. The isolation and cramped conditions of offshore facilities can cause personnel difficulties. Rig work is considered higher risk and the staff usually receive higher salary than industry workers in other fields. Technological advances in communications, such as video conferencing, have made it possible to keep more personnel onshore.

Offshore drilling presents environmental challenges, especially in extreme conditions or when operations are located close to land. Platforms are designed to function in many different situations: from shallow-water steel jackets and jackup barges; to floating semi-submersibles and deepwater drillships. There are currently more than 600 mobile offshore drilling rigs in the competitive rig fleet, including jackups, semisubs, drillships, and barges.

Tags: Offshore Oil

© kittikunfoto / Adobe Stock

The Gulf of America Remains the World's Offshore Innovation Laboratory

For generations, the Gulf of America has served as the proving ground for offshore innovation.

The 105,000dwt Altera Wind (now the Maran Wind), one of the former Altera shuttle tanker fleet taken over by the Angelicoussis conglomerate. (credit: Maran Shuttle Tankers).

Shuttle Tankers: A Distinct Vessel Breed, a Niche Market

A wave of new investment in dedicated shuttle tankers has been spurred by the age…

(Credit: Sea1 Offshore via LinkedIn)

Sea1 Offshore’s First Offshore Energy Support Vessel Hits Water in China

Sea1 Offshore has launched the Sea1 Diamond, the first vessel in a series of four…

© piter2121 - stock.adobe.com

Saipem, Subsea 7 Undergo EU Antitrust Investigation

Italian energy contractor Saipem's merger with Norwegian peer Subsea 7 is set to…

(Credit: Saipem)

Australia Deepens Review of Subsea7-Saipem Merger

Australia's competition regulator said on Friday the proposed merger of energy contractors Subsea7 a

(Credit: Jumbo Maritime)

Jumbo Orders Two Next-Gen Heavy-Lift Vessels from Dajin

Dajin Heavy Industry, via its subsidiary Tangshan Dajin Offshore Engineering, has…

Miss Emma McCall research vessel (Credit: TDI-Brooks)

TDI-Brooks Reflags Research Vessel for Caribbean Mission

TDI-Brooks’ multi-use oceanographic research vessel Miss Emma McCall has completed…

(Credit: Nam Cheong)

Nam Cheong Locks In Two OSV Charters amid Tight Southeast Asia Supply

Malaysia-based offshore support vessel (OSV) provider Nam Cheong has secured OSV…

Source: USCG

Clean-Up of Louisiana Oil Spill Underway

A Unified Command, consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s…

© Adobe Stock/JT Jeeraphun

France Calls Draft Law on Oil Exploration in Overseas Territories

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure called a draft law proposing to allow offshore oil…

© Adobe Stock/Lukasz Z

BOEM Invites Public Input on Potential Offshore Oil Leasing Areas in California

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced the issuance of two Calls for Information…

© Adobe Stock/Photocreo Bednarek

US Explores Plan to Swap Venezuelan Oil for Crude to Fill Emergency Reserve

The U.S. Department of Energy is exploring a plan to exchange heavy Venezuelan oil for U.S.

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