8 ms·

This is just the top section of the oil rig. The bottom section is left in place - and this is where all the nasty polution lurks The awarding of contracts for

• cr1895 9y ago
  This is not necessarily true, and all structures must be removed (though the timeframe is flexible). For some platforms you're absolutely correct; those with gravity-base foundations whose foundations were used for hydrocarbon storage are a technical and environmental nightmare. Unfortunately it's damned if you do, damned it you don't; removing them completely risks catastrophic spillage, leaving it in place also risks damage in decades to come. It was regretfully not well-considered in the wild west days of offshore drilling when many of these concrete-base platforms were installed. Many (most, but I haven't checked the numbers) other platforms are supported by steel towers, and these did not use their foundations for any sort of chemical storage. By law (in the North Sea at least) when these are removed they must be fully removed. Challenging, but not a considerable environmental risk.
• jofer 9y ago
  The ship in the article is a drilling rig. What you're referring to a production platform. One is mobile and needs to sail around the world. The other is stationary and will stay in one place.
  • rhcom2 9y ago
    Wikipedia has a pretty good graphic depicting the difference under the water: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Types_of_offshore_oil_and_gas_structures.jpg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Types_of_offshore_oil_and...