TODAY IN ENERGY HISTORY

November 14, 2025

THE FIRST OFFSHORE OIL WELL BEYOND THE HORIZON

On November 14, 1947, Kerr-McGee and its partners made history by completing the first oil well drilled out of sight of land in the Gulf of Mexico. Built by Brown & Root, the freestanding platform—Kermac 16—rose from the water 10 miles off the Louisiana coast, braving 125-mph winds and open-sea conditions that no oil rig had ever faced.

The well struck oil at a depth of 7,400 feet, producing about 960 barrels per day—a remarkable achievement that proved offshore drilling was not only possible but practical. This breakthrough ushered in the modern offshore oil and gas industry, transforming coastlines into hubs of innovation and energy production.

Kermac 16's success didn't just extend the reach of exploration—it redefined it, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the pursuit of energy beneath the sea.

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