Living on a platform

It takes a 90-minute helicopter flight or a 24-hour boat ride to reach Perdido. The people who keep Perdido operating safely around the clock work 12-hour shifts for 14 days, followed by 14 days of shore leave. 

They live on the platform, which has its own water treatment system, restaurant, recreation and fitness rooms. Staff cabins have TV, telephones and internet access.

Because of Perdido’s remote location, Shell invested in extra safety equipment to protect workers. This includes one of the largest rescue boats on any Shell facility, blast-resistant living quarters, and more fire and gas detectors than on any other Gulf of Mexico installation. 

Perdido’s helipad accommodates two helicopters carrying up to 22 passengers each, more than double the capacity of helicopters typically used in the Gulf of Mexico. That makes it possible to evacuate workers faster if a hurricane approaches.