In July, the South China Sea presents a serene panorama where the blue sky and turquoise waters seamlessly blend.

However, on the exploration drilling platform, workers contend with a grueling environment where temperatures approach 50℃.

This remote platform, situated in the vast expanse of the sea, endures relentless sun exposure daily.

The combination of a sweltering deck, salty and humid sea breeze, and pungent steam renders the offshore oil workers’ job incredibly challenging.

Their unwavering dedication not only ensures the continuous supply of energy but also embodies the profound spirit of persistence in a remote and inhospitable environment far from home.

The Steam Room of the Mud Pump

On the drilling platform, the mud pump room is often likened to the "kidney" of the operation. Its function is comparable to that of a robust two-stroke engine, responsible for pumping mud or seawater to depths of thousands of meters through immense pump pressure.

This process is critical for maintaining the safety and efficiency of drilling operations. In the South China Sea's high temperatures, the mud pump room frequently reaches 60℃, turning even a brief inspection into a sweat-drenched ordeal.

The oppressive heat compounds the stifling conditions within the mud pump room. As soon as workers arrive on the platform, they are thrust into high-temperature operations.

To prevent safety incidents such as slugging and blowouts, meticulous good control measures and regular maintenance of mud pumps are essential. Despite the extreme conditions, workers must remain vigilant.

When changing the oil in the gear set of the mud pump, staff must navigate the tight spaces around hot oil and metal components. They need to take breaks for ventilation every few minutes. The procedure involves draining the waste oil first, followed by the injection of approximately 204 liters of new oil.

Due to the intense heat and demanding environment, each worker consumes nearly 4 liters of salt soda, with sweat soaking through their clothes. Outside temperatures of 40℃ can feel relatively cool by comparison.

The Test of the Scorching Deck

For sailors, the deck is their primary work area. Exposed to the relentless sun, the deck’s temperature can soar to 70-80℃, sometimes reaching levels high enough to fry eggs. Sailors' duties include patrolling the deck, removing rust, and applying paint to protect the deck from seawater corrosion.

To shield themselves from sunburn, sailors typically wear boots, work clothes, straw hats, and veils. After removing their safety helmets and face towels, their sweat-muddied faces reveal the red marks left by the towels on their necks.

Despite these harsh working conditions, seasoned boatswains remain steadfast, directing crane and hoisting operations with efficiency and precision, unaffected by the blistering heat.

Union Support and Care

The working and living conditions on the drilling platform are extremely challenging. Workers often spend 28 days working and residing in confined spaces. To combat the heat and safeguard worker health, both enterprises and trade unions make significant efforts to support frontline employees.

The Party Committee and Trade Union of Sinopec Shanghai Offshore Oil Bureau supply workers with a range of heat-relief foods and protective gear, including salt soda, mung bean soup, watermelon, face shields, and straw hats. Additionally, they provide other heat-relief medications, with doctors on duty around the clock to ensure worker well-being.

To further protect employee health, the platform adjusts shifts according to work conditions, allowing workers to cool down in designated lounges, reduce work intensity, and lower the risk of heat stroke.

The union's "Summer Cooling" initiative also visits and comforts employees in need, offering relief and support to both workers and their families.

Perseverance and Dedication

In the depths of the South China Sea, offshore oil workers endure the extreme heat and high temperatures with remarkable resilience. Their working environment is exceedingly harsh, yet their perseverance and dedication are invaluable.

Despite facing severe weather conditions daily, their steadfast work ethic and stringent safety measures ensure a stable energy supply. Their tireless efforts not only provide the convenience of energy to the public but also earn deep respect for their professionalism.

During the sweltering summer months, these workers remain steadfast in their duties, guarding the platform day and night with unwavering commitment and sweat.