ONGC Temporarily Extends Offshore Stays to Enhance Safety During Monsoon

India's ONGC has increased work-related offshore stays from 14 to 21 days for three months to reduce helicopter sorties and prevent accidents during the monsoon. Despite international norms favoring a 28-day cycle, the move prioritizes employee safety, reflecting lessons from past accidents and recent global incidents.

In a move aimed at enhancing safety during the monsoon season, India's leading oil and gas producer, ONGC, has extended the duration of offshore stays for its employees from 14 days to 21 days. This temporary measure, effective from June to August, seeks to reduce the number of helicopter sorties to offshore installations, a known risk during choppy sea conditions.

The decision comes in response to a series of past accidents, including a fatal crash on June 28, 2022, that resulted in the loss of four lives. By aligning more closely with international standards, albeit still short of the 28-day norm, ONGC aims to mitigate risks associated with helicopter transportation in adverse weather conditions.

Despite the measure not being a cost-saving initiative, it is expected to save the company up to Rs 10 crore in fuel costs over the period. The priority, however, remains safeguarding the lives of the 1,200 employees stationed offshore at any given time.