Shallow Water Energy Security Coalition
Differentiating shallow-water producers during a national energy crisis
Situation Summary
Situation Summary
In the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon explosion, the entire offshore drilling industry faced sweeping scrutiny. Companies that had safely operated in shallow waters — less than 500 feet — for decades were publicly and politically grouped with deepwater operators responsible for the disaster.
A newly formed trade association, the Shallow Water Energy Security Coalition (SWESC), needed to clearly distinguish its members from deepwater drillers and ensure policymakers understood the operational and regulatory differences at stake.
Qorvis Solution
Qorvis Solution
Qorvis supported SWESC’s public affairs strategy with targeted government relations counsel and disciplined message development. We prepared coalition representatives for meetings on Capitol Hill, congressional hearings, and engagement with Administration officials. The strategy focused on separating policy discussions around shallow-water production from those governing deepwater drilling, while positioning SWESC as a constructive industry partner.
SWESC successfully differentiated shallow-water producers in policy discussions during a period of heightened scrutiny. The coalition established itself as a credible industry voice in ongoing debates over offshore regulation, jobs, and domestic energy production.