Offshore oil and gas production
Offshore oil and gas production, which involves extraction of oil and gas from beneath the sea, is a critical component of the world's energy supply. It requires the use of highly sophisticated technology and high attention to the related environmental impacts. Offshore gas is the drilling and extraction of natural gas from down the floor of oceans. Offshore production began in the 1950’s in shallow waters around 200 meters deep. Platforms were erected on the seabed, supported by metal or concrete legs. Following the 1973 oil crisis, intensive production began in North Sea. Half of the 17,000 platforms in use today are fixed structures anchored to the seabed. Deep offshore production can results in number of challenges.