Gulf Offshore Research Institute

GORI aims to address the combined problem of platform decommissioning liability, loss of marine habitat, and demand for offshore real estate.

The Gulf of America has about 1,300 offshore platforms in federal waters, tracked by the BSEE Offshore Infrastructure Dashboard. GORI works with operators to evaluate platforms at the end of their oil and gas life, as removal or reefing is required unless alternate uses are approved by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

GORI explores using its platforms for offshore renewable energy (ORE), generating wind and wave power to meet platform electricity needs and produce carbon-neutral fuels like eco-diesel or hydrogen for transport.

GORI researches ecosystem services and habitat value of offshore platforms, studying decommissioning alternatives like the Rigs to Reefs Program and in-situ reefing. It also investigates offshore renewable energy, carbon storage, water quality trading, and aquaculture, offering consulting for alternate uses.

A Report Generated by the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences for the Interagency Working Group for the Farming of Seagrasses and Seaweeds Farming Seagrasses And Seaweeds

View full article BY: Terry L. Jones & Pam Radtke on Louisiana Illuminator here: View Article

Awarded by the Interagency Working Group on Research for Farming of Kelp and Seagrass Bigelow Labs ARS Pilot Project

GORI becomes a participant in the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) Environmental, Social, and Governance Network (ESG Network). The ESG Network is a programmatic effort to share and develop best practices across the offshore energy industry.

GORI has entered into a Masters Services Agreement (MSA) with Danos Corporation to help evaluate the offshore platforms for alternative uses.

Hess Corporation funded $25,000 for GORI to conduct initial research on the ecological performance and habitat value of standing versus reefed oil and gas platforms.

Kent Satterlee is a seasoned civil/structural/environmental engineer and manager with 15 years of experience in government affairs and regulatory policy and 40 years of experience in the offshore industry. Kent is also president of Kent Satterlee & Associates and president of Blue Silo Aquaculture, LLC, both located in Mandeville, LA.

The Gulf Offshore Research Institute (GORI) studies offshore platforms in the Gulf of America and their repurposing after oil and gas production ends. It explores ecological services like artificial reefs or alternative marine uses, collaborating with platform owners through its subsidiary, MMEERSET L3C.

A better future for the Gulf of America is possible. Contact us to learn more about our work and to inquire about our offshore platforms which will be made available for lease.

The Gulf Offshore Research Institute (GORI) is a not-for-profit corporation engaged in the acquisition and conversion of retired offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.