Royal Dutch Shell encountered hydrocarbons in the initial Whale exploration well in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
Noble Globetrotter I. Image from Huisman. |
The well was safety drilled with the Noble Globetrotter I in Alaminos Canyon Block 772, approximately 322km (200mi) offshore southeast Texas, Shell told OE. Shell and co-owner Chevron will need to conduct further evaluation to determine the size and potential amount of barrels of oil recoverable.
Shell owns 60% interest in the well; Chevron holds 40%.
Shell’s deepwater business is a growth priority for the company, including its Gulf of Mexico assets such as Stones.
Earlier this week, Shell said it would buy the Turritella FPSO in a transaction that would allow it acquire full operatorship of the development.
Shell’s deepwater production is expected to increase to more than 900,000 boe/d by 2020 from already discovered, established reservoirs, Shell reported on 28 February, when it announced it had made the final investment decision for its Kaikias development. Besides Kaikias, Shell has two other proejcts – Appomattox and Coulomb Phase 2 – under construction in the Gulf, as well as options for additional subsea tiebacks and Vito, a potential, new hub in the region.
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