India’s leading oil and gas producer, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), has temporarily reduced helicopter sorties to its offshore installations on both the east and west coasts for three months to prevent deadly accidents during the monsoon season. This decision follows a series of fatal incidents that have marred the company’s otherwise impeccable safety record, sources reported.
To mitigate the risks associated with helicopter operations in the monsoon, ONGC has extended the work-related stay of its offshore employees from 14 days to 21 days, though this is still below the international standard of 28 days. This measure, in effect from June to August, aims to reduce the number of helicopter flights needed to transport personnel and materials to the installations.
The decision, which prioritizes employee safety, comes after several tragic helicopter accidents during the monsoon. The most recent occurred on June 28, 2022, when a helicopter crash near ONGC’s Sagar Kiran rig resulted in four fatalities. The most catastrophic incident in ONGC’s history took place in 2003, claiming 27 lives.
Despite the increased duration of offshore stays, ONGC has not adopted the 28-day international norm. This adjustment will save the company an estimated Rs 8-10 crore in fuel costs, although the primary motive is employee safety rather than cost-saving.
ONGC operates numerous offshore platforms and drilling rigs in the Arabian Sea’s Mumbai High and west coast fields, which contribute to roughly half of India’s oil and gas production. It also manages similar operations in the Bay of Bengal on the east coast.
Sources confirmed that ONGC will revert to the 14-day cycle after the monsoon period. The company has yet to respond to inquiries about the deviation from the 28-day international standard.
