CANTARELL

• MXCNT
• Latitude: 19.6667
• Longitude: -92.0833
• Gulf of Mexico
• Port in Mexico

Location: Mexico

The Cantarell Marine Oil Port is a significant facility located off the coast of Mexico, primarily associated with the Cantarell Field, one of the largest offshore oil fields in the world. Here is a detailed description and specification:

General Overview:

• Location: Cantarell Oil Field, Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico.
• Coordinates: Approximately 20° N, 92° W.
• Operating Authority: Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos), the state-owned petroleum company of Mexico.

Port Features:

• Type: Offshore Marine Oil Terminal.
• Platform Setup: Multiple interconnected platforms, including drilling, production, and accommodation platforms.
• Depth of Water: The field lies in about 40-50 meters of water.
• Navigational Aids: Equipped with modern navigation aids for vessel approach.

Infrastructure:

• Production Platforms: Numerous fixed and floating platforms dedicated to oil extraction and processing.
• Loading Facilities: Crude oil is transferred from production platforms to large crude carriers (VLCCs) or other tanker vessels through underwater pipelines and Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems.
• Storage: Although primarily an extraction and loading point, there are facilities for temporary storage on the platforms and associated Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units.

Capacity and Operations:

• Oil Production: Historically, Cantarell has had production rates of up to 2 million barrels per day, though current production may vary.
• Crude Specifications: The crude extracted is typically heavy and sulfurous.
• Loading Rate: High capacity loading rates suitable for VLCCs.
• Tanker Handling: Can accommodate large crude oil tankers in the SPM systems.

Support Facilities:

• Supply Vessels: Constant flow of supply vessels to and from Ciudad del Carmen, which is the nearest logistical base.
• Helicopter Services: Regular helicopter services for crew transfer and emergency evacuation.
• Safety and Security: Advanced safety protocols with regular drills, emergency response teams, and security measures against potential threats.

Environmental and Regulations:

• Environmental Protection: Strict adherence to regulations concerning emissions, waste management, and spill response.
• Regulatory Compliance: Operates under Mexican maritime and environmental regulations, as well as international standards for offshore oil extraction and shipping.

Connectivity:

• Nearest Port: Ciudad del Carmen is the nearest land-based port, providing logistical support including supply and personnel transfer.
• Communication: Equipped with modern communication systems for coordination between platforms, vessels, and the mainland.

Economic Impact:

• The Cantarell Marine Oil Port is crucial to Mexico’s oil exports, contributing significantly to the national economy.
• Employment: Provides numerous jobs both offshore on the platforms and onshore in support roles.

By its very nature, operating in an environment like the Cantarell Oil Field comes with considerable technical challenges, including the maintenance of offshore structures and the management of heavy crude oil extraction and transportation. The Cantarell Marine Oil Port stands as a testament to the engineering and logistical sophistication required to sustain one of the world's largest oil fields.