UK-based energy giant Shell has suspended certain drilling operations and started evacuating non-essential personnel from its Gulf of Mexico sites as a disturbance, likely to become a hurricane, intensifies. On November 4, Shell began transferring staff from its Appomattox, Vito, Ursa, Mars, Auger, and Enchilada/Salsa assets to shore as a safety measure.
Shell reported that production remains unaffected and stated that it would continue monitoring the storm’s progress closely. "Shell continues to actively monitor Disturbance 50 in the Gulf of Mexico," the company stated, emphasizing that the safety of personnel and assets remains its top priority.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by tonight as it approaches the southeastern Gulf, potentially affecting offshore operations.
