Offshore Rigs on Gulf Outer Continental Shelf Increased End of 2011

Part of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources’ end of 2011 reports included a press release regarding the state of the Outer Continental Shelf. The release reported that the number of offshore rigs in the area had increased to the highest level since they had imposed a ban on operations the previous year.

In May 2010, following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, a ban was placed on deepwater drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. At the end of 2011, 35 rigs were actively drilling in waters designated as Outer Continental Shelf zones – lower than pre-ban average but still a healthy return.

The 3 months prior to the moratorium saw an average of 42 rigs in operation, which declined as no new permits were allowed until February 2011. While the ban only lasted from May 2010 to October 2010, it had a serious impact on the offshore drilling industry with the number of rigs in the Gulf of Mexico dropping to as low as 11 at times.

After seeking regulations to establish a middle ground between the need for safety and the recovery of the drilling industry, the offshore rigs are returning to operations. Governor Bobby Jindal hopes that the push to revive Gulf Coast industries while maintaining environmental safety can continue in 2012.

A New Orleans Lawyer Can Help With Jones Act Claims

The Jones Act law provides you with certain protections your employer may not want you to know about. If you suffer a maritime injury a law firm in Louisiana like The Young Firm in New Orleans has Jones Act lawyers that can help you with Jones Act claims. 

Though we are based in Louisiana, we are ready and able to help injured victims throughout the U.S. Order our free Maritime Injury Law guide and/or our guide to what to do when you are injured offshore to learn all about your rights as an injured worker. 

When you are ready to get started with your offshore accident injury case, we urge you to contact us today for a FREE case evaluation – call 1-504-680-4100 or toll-free at 1-866-938-6113.