Thunder Horse PDQ, Semi-submersible production platform in Gulf of Mexico, United States
Thunder Horse PDQ is a floating platform designed to drill and process crude oil from wells beneath the Gulf of Mexico seafloor. The structure stretches over 110 meters long and operates in deep water where specialized equipment keeps everything running safely.
The platform was built by a South Korean shipyard and began producing oil in the Gulf of Mexico in 2008. Years earlier, during a 2005 hurricane, a ballast tank malfunction caused the structure to tilt dangerously at sea.
The platform represents a milestone in maritime engineering, demonstrating the possibilities of deep-water oil extraction in the Gulf of Mexico region.
Access to the platform is restricted to workers and authorized visitors since it is an active production site in a challenging marine environment. Public tours are not available, but visits may be arranged for qualified professionals.
The platform survived a severe incident in 2005 when it tilted 30 degrees and nearly capsized due to ballast tank failure. This accident led to major improvements in ballast systems and set new safety standards for offshore operations.
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