Union Oil Co of California Heliport

Economic and logistical consolidation. Following the Chevron-Unocal merger, Chevron streamlined its operations to eliminate redundant infrastructure and reduce costs. It is standard practice in such mergers to consolidate logistical support, such as helicopter services, at larger, more efficient, and often third-party-operated facilities. Helicopter operations for the Gulf of Mexico are heavily concentrated at major heliports like the nearby PHI Inc. Heliport (KICV) in Intracoastal City, which serves multiple energy companies.

The site is still an active industrial facility owned and operated by Chevron, now known as the Chevron Intracoastal City Shorebase. It functions as a marine and logistical support base, handling equipment staging, warehousing, and vessel support for Chevron's ongoing Gulf of Mexico operations. Satellite imagery shows that the original concrete helipads are still visible on the grounds, but the facility is no longer used as a primary heliport. Its main function has shifted entirely to ground and marine-based logistics.

The Union Oil Co. of California Heliport was a vital private logistical hub for Unocal's extensive offshore oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Located strategically in Intracoastal City—a key support town for the offshore industry—the heliport served as a primary base for transporting personnel for crew changes, delivering time-sensitive light cargo, and providing emergency support to Unocal's numerous offshore platforms and drilling rigs. For decades, it was a critical piece of infrastructure that enabled the company's exploration, drilling, and production activities in the region, supporting the work of thousands of offshore employees.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the site as a dedicated heliport. The prevailing industry trend is towards the consolidation of aviation services at large, shared-use heliports to maximize efficiency and safety. Chevron's aviation needs are met through contracts with major helicopter operators based at other facilities. Re-establishing a private, single-company heliport at this location would be economically inefficient and contrary to current logistical models in the oil and gas industry.