Offshore safety zones are controlled maritime areas set around oil and gas installations to reduce risks to infrastructure and seafarers. They are a standard feature of offshore production and expand as activity increases in marine environments.
Safety zones are established around platforms, floating production vessels, subsea infrastructure, and pipelines. They restrict vessel movement and activities that could interfere with operations or create safety hazards. The measures are intended to reduce collision risks, protect subsea equipment, and maintain safe operating conditions for offshore production.
In Guyana, these zones are applied under maritime regulations and communicated through Notices to Mariners issued by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). These notices alert vessel operators to restricted areas and navigation requirements in offshore blocks where production or other critical operation is ongoing.
Regulator designates anchor-free zone around Exxon’s undersea gas pipeline | OilNOW
Globally, offshore safety zones are used in major producing regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, and the North Sea. They follow international maritime safety practices that separate industrial infrastructure from commercial and fishing activity.
In Guyana, safety zones are becoming more relevant as offshore production expands in the Stabroek Block, where multiple floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels and subsea systems are in operation. Each FPSO has a restricted safety radius where anchoring, fishing, and unauthorized vessel entry are prohibited. This applies to units such as Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity, and ONE GUYANA FPSO.
Enforcement is carried out through maritime patrols, vessel tracking systems, and coordination between regulators and operators.
World’s first offshore safety technology deployed in Guyana | OilNOW Currently, ExxonMobil produces oil at more than 900,000 barrels per day at the Stabroek Block in Guyana. ExxonMobil operates the block with a 45% interest, while Hess holds a 30% interest and CNOOC holds 25%.
