Lake Palourde Base Heliport

The closure was an economic and operational decision by its owner, Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI). In the dynamic offshore oil and gas industry, companies frequently open, close, and consolidate shore bases to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and adapt to changing client contracts and exploration locations. The closure of 7LS3 was likely part of a strategic consolidation of PHI's operations into other, possibly larger, regional bases. There is no evidence to suggest the closure was due to a specific accident, environmental issue, or military conversion.

The site is no longer an active heliport. It has been fully redeveloped and integrated into a large, active marine terminal and logistics support facility. The location is now part of the C-Port 1 marine terminal, operated by an affiliate of Edison Chouest Offshore. The facility provides comprehensive shore base services, including docking for offshore supply vessels (OSVs), material handling, warehousing, and office space. The land once used for helicopter operations is now utilized for industrial storage, vehicle parking, and staging for marine-based logistics.

Lake Palourde Base Heliport was a private shore base that served as a vital logistical hub for the U.S. offshore oil and gas industry. Owned and operated by Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI), one of the world's largest helicopter operators, its primary mission was to transport workers and essential supplies to and from offshore drilling rigs and production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. The heliport was a key component in the complex supply chain that supports offshore energy exploration and production, contributing to the economic activity of the region.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening the Lake Palourde Base Heliport. The 7LS3 identifier has been permanently cancelled by the FAA, and the site has been completely repurposed for marine terminal operations by a different corporate entity. Re-establishing a heliport would be infeasible without the removal of current industrial infrastructure and a complete change in land use, making any prospect of reopening virtually non-existent.