Without a doubt, the oil and gas industry is one of the most important and lucrative industries in the world. It is a commodity we all rely on, and securing the production and global transportation of oil is never far from the top of the international diplomatic agenda.
It is precisely the level of importance that we place on gas and oil that makes the industry one fraught with tension and inherent risk. From unstable political environments, declining economies and kidnap risks, we took a look at five of the most dangerous places to work in oil and gas.
Iraq
Oil rich and politically volatile, even over ten years since the US invasion Iraq presents danger to oil and gas industry workers. Kidnapping is a real threat in Iraq, with the country’s own Deputy Oil Minister having been kidnapped in 2007. With the rise of jihadist group ISIS in recent months, there seems to be little indication that tensions in the region are dissipating.
Colombia
Colombia became an oil exporter in the 1980s, but has been subject to right-wing paramilitary group abuses for a number of decades. Controlling most of the illegal cocaine trade throughout the country, paramilitary forces are reported to be responsible for massacres, rapes and kidnappings throughout the country.
Tanzania
The east African nation has significantly developed its oil and gas exploration efforts in the natural reserves off the country’s south coast. However, piracy has become a significant issue in the area, with Somali pirate activity on the increase in the country’s waters over the last five years, some of which has directly targeted petroleum exploration efforts.
Venezuela
Venezuela has one of largest proven oil reserves in the world and is one of the major exporters of oil, travelling as far and wide as China and India. Violence is rife in Venezuela, with carjacking, kidnapping and armed robberies occurring with alarming regularity. Venezuela also sees a high amount of drug trafficking activity, with much of neighbouring Colombia’s illegal cocaine trade passing through the country.
Libya
Having the largest oil reserves in Africa, Libya is an attractive proposition due to its proximity to Europe. However, escalating violence throughout the country following the 2011 civil war that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi, including the attack on the US embassy in 2012 and the recent unrest that saw armed groups try to seize control of the country’s airports; Libya appears to be rife with conflict.
Do you have any experience as a contractor travelling to any of these, or other, high risk locations? How do you prepare and do you have any advice or tips for other contractors who may be considering taking on contracts in dangerous locations?
Tell us about your experiences via the comments box.
