Modelling service vessel activity in the Outer Continental Shelf Gulf of Mexico

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Abstract

Supply vessels transport goods and provide services to support oil and gas exploration, development and production activity throughout the world's offshore basins. The Outer Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico is one of the oldest and largest offshore hydrocarbon producing regions in the world and is supported by an extensive offshore industry. The purpose of this paper is to model the activity level and spatial distribution of supply vessels operating in the Gulf's coastal regions in support of the oil and gas industry. The logistics network is modelled as a linear time-invariant deterministic system and implemented using an input-output model across 19 shorebases and 52 offshore area blocks. Historic activity levels and empirical data on vessel utilisation and shorebase allocation are used to parameterise the model. We estimate that about 80,000 trips per year are required to support the offshore industry with approximately 80% of trips in support of shallow water operations and 60% for production activity. Sensitivity analysis and model limitations are summarised. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications

First Page

51

Last Page

85

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