Offshore

Definition: What is “offshore”?

“Offshore” originally meant islands in the open sea belonging to a country. The term “offshore” means “off the coast”. In oil and gas extraction, “offshore” refers to the development of oil fields and natural gas deposits under the ocean.
In the wind energy sector, “offshore wind farms” generate energy with windmills installed in coastal waters. Since the energy turnaround, the term “offshore” in Germany is frequently used for energy generation by means of wind power plants.

 

Offshore crude oil extraction

Oil rigs are used for the offshore exploration and production of crude oil. Crude oil deposits in the ocean that permit underwater drilling and extraction are developed and exploited using oil rigs. The drilling platforms used for development are subsequently replaced in part by production platforms. 25 percent of the proven oil deposits worldwide are expected to be found in offshore deposits.

Offshore natural gas extraction

Offshore rigs are also used for the underwater exploration and production of natural gas. In order to develop and exploit natural gas deposits under the ocean, drilling platforms are erected and later in part replaced by production platforms.

EU regulations for the offshore production of oil and gas

The EU Parliament passed a new directive on the safety of offshore crude oil and natural gas activities in May of 2013. According to its provisions, oil and gas companies going forward are required to prove that they are able to cover potential liability claims arising from their activities. They also have to submit hazard reports and emergency response plans before they can commence their activities.

For support with the implementation of the safety measures required by the EU and national authorities as well as the implementation and monitoring of HSE management, companies in the exploration of oil, gas and geothermal energy can engage employees with special training in HSE, environmental management, health protection and occupational safety >> EDPSolutions HSE Management

Offshore services

For crude oil and natural gas exploration and production using offshore platforms, many natural gas and crude oil extraction companies engage special service providers (companyman) with in-depth exploration know-how and years of practical experience for the efficient management of regulations and processes as well as cost reduction.
EDP Solutions is an experienced service provider, supporting companies in the oil industry with the development of offshore deposits as well as oil and gas extraction through efficient project management.

Additional offshore terminology:

• Offshore company
• Offshore engineering
• Offshore drilling
• Offshore jobs
• Offshore services
• Offshore solutions
• Offshore oil

What is “onshore”? To the definition of “onshore”