Hercules Offshore is an offshore contract drilling, lifeboat, and inland barge service company which offers services throughout the Gulf of Mexico region, in addition to the Middle East. The company is the owner of the largest fleet of shallow-water drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and main source of revenue is through leasing rigs to oil and gas producers. The company offers drilling and liftboat services to the oil and gas industry, including oil and gas exploration and development drilling, well service, maintenance, and platform inspection.

Hercules formed in 2004 as a small contract driller in the Gulf of Mexico with only five assets. It currently has a fleet of 27 jack-up rigs and 21 lift boats around the world, with 18 of these jack-up rigs in the Gulf of Mexico alone. The company expanded its operations away from the production and exploration side of the oil and gas industry, toward more of a services line.

The company has focused largely on shallow drilling services, which experienced a hit in light of the Deepwater Horizon accident. It was difficult for many companies to receive permits for shallow-water drilling after this time, which not only impacted oil and gas operations, but also the operations of service providers such as Hercules Offshore.

The downturn in oil prices throughout 2015 has impacted oil and gas operators, as well as their service providers. Companies are downsizing their operations in the Gulf of Mexico in an attempt to conserve their costs, which impacts many of the maintenance providers such as Hercules. In 2015, the company filed for bankruptcy with a plan to convert its debt. Many of the company’s investors will trade their senior notes for nearly 97 percent interest in Hercules’s equity. Several of the noteholders will also lend the company up to $450 million in order to build a new oil rig.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an offshore accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients with their maritime injury claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Offshore injuries can occur during routine activities, although may also occur in extreme accidents. Regardless of the type of accident that led to your injury, you deserve to be compensated for medical expenses and loss of income. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.