FOURCHON

• USFOC
• Latitude: 29.12
• Longitude: -90.2074
• Gulf of Mexico
• Port in US

Location: Galliano LA 70354 US

Port Fourchon is a key maritime port located on the Gulf of Mexico in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, United States. It serves as a crucial hub for the oil and gas industry, particularly for operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Here are the key details and specifications of Port Fourchon:

Location:

• Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 29.1108° N, 90.2005° W
• Address: LA 1, Golden Meadow, LA 70357, USA
• Proximity: About 60 miles south of New Orleans, Louisiana

Infrastructure:

• Berths: The port includes numerous deepwater slips and docks specifically designed to handle offshore support vessels (OSVs) and other service ships.
• Channel Depth: The port can accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 27 feet.
• Turning Basin: Available to facilitate the maneuvering of large vessels.
• Service Areas: Multiple service areas are designated for different types of cargos such as liquid bulk, dry bulk, and general cargo.

Facilities:

• Cargo Handling: Specialized equipment for the loading and unloading of various types of cargo, including heavy-lift and oversized equipment.
• Storage Facilities: Warehouses and open storage areas for staging equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Support Services: Maintenance, repair, and refit facilities for offshore vessels; bunkering services; supply chain logistics.
• Utilities: The port is equipped with electricity, freshwater, and fueling capabilities for vessels.

Operations:

• Primary Function: Serves primarily as a base of operations for offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities.
• Tenants: Hosts over 250 tenants, including major oil companies, service providers, and logistics companies.
• Traffic: High volume of vessel traffic, with more than 1,000 vessels navigating through the port facilities on a monthly basis.

Economic Impact:

• Employment: Port Fourchon directly supports thousands of jobs linked to the maritime and offshore industries.
• Economic Contribution: It plays a vital role in the local and regional economy by supporting the operations of the Gulf of Mexico's oil and gas fields, which are significant contributors to the U.S. energy supply.

Strategic Importance:

• Emergency Response Hub: Port Fourchon acts as a staging area for emergency management and response efforts, particularly during hurricanes and other natural disasters.
• Security: The port complies with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and employs robust security measures to ensure safe and secure operations.

Development:

• Expansion Projects: Ongoing and future expansion projects aim to enhance port capacity and capability, including deeper dredging, additional berths, and advanced logistics facilities.

Challenges:

• Environmental: Due to its geographic location, Port Fourchon is susceptible to hurricanes and coastal erosion, necessitating continuous monitoring and mitigation efforts.
• Logistics: Road access, particularly the LA 1 highway, is critical for overland transport to and from Port Fourchon and is subject to upgrades to handle future traffic demands.

Port Fourchon remains a vital asset for the U.S. energy sector, providing essential services and infrastructure to support the extensive oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico.