When it comes to the oil industry, particularly near the Gulf of Mexico, there are two terms that are often used interchangeably and are often misunderstood.
Although the terms ‘oil rig’ and ‘oil platform’ may conjure up the same types of images, they are not the same thing at all. In fact, there is a lot of crossover and confusion in the terminology. But what exactly is the difference between an oil rig and an oil platform? However, understanding the underlying mechanics of both of these will help you understand the distinction.
The short explanation is that an oil platform is a permanent structure that is fixed to the floor of the ocean and an oil rig is a movable platform that is moved from place to place by a barge and then secured to a temporary location. However, it gets a bit more complicated than that.
Oil Rig vs Oil Platform: What’s the Difference?
Oil Platforms
Oil platforms have three main parts.
- The jacket, or legs, are secured to the ocean floor.
- The deck is a large flat surface, and
- The modules that include the drilling apparatus, crew quarters, storage containers, and more that are fixed to the deck of the platform.
A basic oil platform is fixed to one permanent position on the ocean floor with anchors and is not meant to be moved. It is a long-term and stable facility where oil can be pumped and produced because it is large and able to host a variety of equipment and the crew members needed to operate it. Because of this, oil platforms are built in locations that are known to have long-term oil deposits.
There are many types of oil platforms that are fairly similar. Compliant towers, for example, are fixed platforms much like other oil platforms, but they have flexible and narrow jackets. This results in them moving in the waves and wind. There are also platforms that are SPAR, subsea, and tension-leg varieties, as well as various combinations of all types.
Oil Rigs
So, whats an oil rig? When a person uses the term ‘oil rig,’ that person is often referring to a jack-up rig. This is a oil rig platform that is movable, with very tall legs that can be moved up and down.
This allows the platform to be towed into place and then the legs are lowered onto the ocean floor. The result is a stable but temporary platform where drilling and other types of work can be completed. These are usually used in shallower water and used for smaller deposits of oil.
Oil Rig and Oil Platform FAQs
What Are the Main Functions of an Oil Rig Versus an Oil Platform?
Oil rigs are primarily used for drilling and temporary extraction, while oil platforms are designed for long-term extraction and production operations.
Are Oil Rigs and Oil Platforms Both Used in Deep Water?
Yes, but oil platforms are more commonly used in deep water because they are fixed structures, while oil rigs, being mobile, can operate in shallower or deeper areas depending on the type.
How Long Can an Oil Rig Stay at One Location?
Oil rigs typically stay at a location only as long as drilling or exploration is needed, which can range from a few weeks to several months, after which they are moved to another location.
What Types of Workers Are Needed on Oil Rigs and Oil Platforms?
Both oil rigs and oil platforms require engineers, drillers, maintenance crews, and safety officers. However, oil platforms may also need long-term operational staff, including production technicians and marine specialists.
What Safety Measures Are in Place for Oil Rigs and Oil Platforms?
Both oil rigs and platforms follow strict safety protocols, including fire suppression systems, emergency evacuation plans, and regular safety drills. However, platforms generally have more extensive safety measures due to their long-term nature and larger workforce.
Injured on an Oil Rig or Oil Platform? Contact Kolodny Law Firm for a 100% Free Consultation
If you are injured in an accident while working on an oil rig or an oil platform, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act or the Longshore Workers’ Act.
The Houston oil rig injury attorneys at Kolodny Law Firm have years of experience specializing in maritime law and can advise you of your legal options and help you get the compensation to which you are entitled. Compensation may include medical expenses, loss of income, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Where to find our Houston office
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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