WHY ONLY TWO FPSOS IN U.S. GULF OF MEXICO?

More than 40 years have passed since the trailblazing Shell Castellon started operation as the first floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit in 1977. Ever since hundreds of these vessels have operated worldwide, and the oil industry has reaped their benefits. Despite continued international popularity and dominance, compelling advantages, and technological advancements, the adoption of FPSOs has faced a unique combination of challenges in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, where there are now only two FPSOs despite it being the birthplace of offshore 70+ years ago.Peter Lovie traces the turbulent history of FPSOs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, examining with key insight the tumultuous events which have unfolded over the years