New Delhi: India’s premier oil and gas producer, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), has strategically reduced its helicopter sorties to offshore installations during the monsoon season to mitigate risks associated with adverse weather conditions.
This safety measure, in effect from June to August, aims to prevent a recurrence of fatal accidents that have historically tarnished the firm’s operational record. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that ONGC has extended the duration of work-related stays for its employees stationed on offshore platforms from 14 days to 21 days. Although this adjustment falls short of the international norm of a 28-day cycle, it significantly reduces the frequency of helicopter flights required to transport personnel and materials to and from the installations.
Globally, personnel on offshore rigs adhere to a 28-day work cycle, followed by an equivalent period of rest. These rigs are equipped with comprehensive living facilities, including sleeping quarters, kitchens, and recreation areas, ensuring the well-being of the workforce. In contrast, ONGC has traditionally operated on a 14-day cycle, necessitating more frequent helicopter sorties, especially during the hazardous monsoon months. Currently, approximately 1,200 of ONGC’s 25,000 employees are deployed on offshore installations at any given time. The decision to extend the work cycle during the monsoon period was driven primarily by safety concerns rather than cost-saving measures. Helicopters, inherently more vulnerable during turbulent weather, must navigate through dense clouds and over dark seas, which significantly heightens the risk of accidents.
In recent history, ONGC has faced tragic incidents involving helicopter crashes during the monsoon season. The most recent occurred on June 28, 2022, when a helicopter attempting to land on the Sagar Kiran rig in the Arabian Sea crashed, resulting in four fatalities. This incident followed the deadliest offshore accident in ONGC’s history in 2003, when 27 individuals perished in a helicopter crash. In light of these incidents and a recent fatal crash involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter, ONGC’s management prioritised employee safety in implementing the new 21-day work cycle. This temporary measure aims to significantly reduce the number of helicopter sorties required during the high-risk monsoon period.
Financially, the reduction in sorties will result in a modest saving of Rs 8-10 crore in fuel costs. However, given ONGC’s annual expenditure exceeding Rs 96,000 crore, this saving is marginal. The primary objective remains the safeguarding of employee lives and the prevention of further accidents. ONGC operates multiple offshore platforms and drilling rigs across the Mumbai High and west coast fields in the Arabian Sea, contributing significantly to India’s oil and gas production. A similar fleet operates in the Bay of Bengal on the east coast. By prioritising safety and reducing operational risks, ONGC aims to maintain its production capabilities while ensuring the well-being of its workforce.
