Repairs underway at Louisiana Offshore Oil Port

The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP), which suspended deliveries ahead of Hurricane Ida, is conducting repairs in the storm's aftermath.

"Facility assessments and repairs are underway," LOOP said a notice. LOOP is working directly with shippers to minimize storm related impacts. The company did not provide details of the repairs.

Ida made landfall in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, on 29 August as a category 4 hurricane, causing widespread damage and power outages.

LOOP, about 20 miles (32km) off the coast from Grand Isle, Louisiana, is the only US port capable of fully loading very large crude carriers (VLCCs). LOOP can export WTI and similar grades but is primarily known as the main export hub for offshore-produced Mars.

LOOP accounted for about 6pc of the 3mn b/d of US crude exports from January-June, according to US Census monthly trade data.

LOOP also operates oil storage facilities in Clovelly, Louisiana, and the Locap pipeline that connects Clovelly to the oil hub at St James, Louisiana.

By Eunice Bridges