LOOP

• USLO9
• Latitude: 28.8693
• Longitude: -89.9725
• Gulf of Mexico
• Port in US

Location: Louisiana LA US

LOOP (Louisiana Offshore Oil Port) Overview

General Description: The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) is a significant deepwater port in the United States dedicated to the importation, storage, and distribution of crude oil. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 18 miles offshore from the coast of Louisiana near Port Fourchon, LOOP is a pivotal hub for the nation's oil supply, capable of offloading Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs) that cannot navigate shallower U.S. ports.

Key Specifications:

1. Location:

   • Offshore: Approximately 18 miles south of Port Fourchon, Louisiana.
   • Onshore: Connects to shore-based facilities via pipelines running under the Gulf of Mexico.

2. Type of Port:

   • Deepwater port specializing in crude oil.
   • Primarily handles imports but has facilities for export as well.

3. Capabilities:

   • Designed to handle VLCCs and ULCCs, which can carry crude oil volumes ranging up to 2 million barrels.
   • Includes Single Point Moorings (SPMs) for safe and efficient offloading of crude oil from tankers.

4. Infrastructure Components:

   • Offshore Marine Terminal: The marine terminal includes multiple SPMs located in 110 feet of water to accommodate large crude oil carriers.
   • Onshore Tank Farm: A substantial storage facility located in Clovelly, Louisiana, connected to the marine terminal via pipelines. It includes several large crude oil storage tanks for inventory management.
   • Pipeline System: An extensive network of pipelines that distribute crude oil from LOOP's storage facilities to refineries and other destinations across the U.S.

5. Operational Features:

   • Capability to offload crude oil at a high rate, significantly reducing tanker turnaround times.
   • Operates 24/7, with the ability to handle multiple tankers simultaneously.
   • Equipped with advanced monitoring and control systems to ensure safety and environmental protection.

6. Regulatory Compliance:

   • Subject to U.S. Coast Guard regulations and other federal environmental and safety standards.
   • Regularly inspected and maintained to uphold stringent operational and safety protocols.

7. Importance:

   • LOOP is a critical component of the U.S. energy infrastructure, handling approximately 10% of the country's crude oil imports.
   • Provides a strategic link between international crude oil markets and domestic refineries, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the U.S. oil supply chain.

8. Additional Services:

   • Blending services to tailor crude oil quality to specific refinery needs.
   • Storage and terminal services that support both commercial and strategic petroleum reserves.

Conclusion: LOOP plays an essential role in the global oil market, ensuring the efficient and safe transfer of large volumes of crude oil into the United States. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, LOOP remains a cornerstone in maintaining the stability and security of the nation’s energy supplies.