Petronius, Oil platform in Gulf of Mexico, US.
Petronius is an oil and natural gas extraction platform located in deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, roughly 130 miles southeast of New Orleans. The structure rises 640 meters from the seafloor and operates 21 well slots to bring hydrocarbons to the surface.
Construction of the platform began in 1997 with foundation pilings anchored into the seafloor. The installation was completed in May 2000 and represented a major advancement in deep-water oil production technology.
The structure represents a milestone in offshore engineering, demonstrating the capabilities of American industrial advancement in marine resource extraction.
The platform is not accessible to visitors since it operates as a restricted industrial facility in deep ocean waters. Best views come from aerial photography or occasional passing vessels in the region.
The structure is engineered to sway with ocean currents and storms while maintaining its stability. This flexibility allows it to absorb movements up to 2 percent of its total height without sustaining damage.
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