The most recent Loop Current eddy to halt operations in the Gulf of Mexico with 4.0+ knot currents shows no sign of letting up any time soon. In support of multiple projects, Horizon Marine has mobilized three of its ocean current monitoring systems to provide fine-scale monitoring of Eddy Hadal*, the latest eddy to shed from the Loop. This large, vigorous oceanographic feature has impacted operators in Mississippi Canyon, Green Canyon, and Walker Ridge since June. Over the years, the Loop Current and associated eddies have cost the offshore industry millions of dollars with operators reporting downtime as 'Waiting on Currents'. The Fast Automated Survey Technology (FAST) Eddy survey systems, designed to measure currents to a depth of 1800' (550m), effectively captures the location, intensity, and movement of these strong currents. The survey vessel typically steams along at 6-8 knots following a predetermined survey pattern, providing clients with near real-time data via a website to assist in operational decision-making. Armed with situational awareness and near-term forecasts, operators can be more confident in decisions regarding mobilizing an ROV, splashing a BOP, pulling riser, and putting divers in the water.
*Horizon Marine monitors and forecasts the Loop Current and Loop Current eddies, naming 62 of them since starting the Eddy Watch program in support of the offshore industry in 1984.