Chevron, bp evacuate certain platforms ahead of Hurricane Ian’s Gulf of Mexico arrival

Chevron and bp have evacuated personnel from certain operated Gulf of Mexico platforms ahead of Hurricane Ian’s arrival in the US Gulf of Mexico.

On Tuesday, the storm strengthened to Category 3 as it made landfall in Cuba. The storm is expected to make landfall between Tampa and Fort Myers, Fla.  Wednesday and into Thursday. The track, timing, and intensity remain uncertain.

Chevron said earlier this week that it started transporting all personnel from its Petronius and Blind Faith platforms, on which shut-in procedures have also begun. Production at other Chevron-operated Gulf of Mexico assets remains at normal levels, the company said.

On Monday, bp said Monday that it has shut in production and evacuated all personnel from its Na Kika platform. The operator also is shutting in production and evacuating all essential personnel from its Thunder Horse platform.