Shell has been a leader in deepwater exploration and production for the last 30 years. Perdido in the Gulf of Mexico is one of our most challenging deepwater projects. Shell has a 35% interest in the project and is the operator. Perdido is in a water depth of some 2,380 metres and will have a peak production of 130,000 boe/day from three fields.
Key facts
| Location: | Gulf of Mexico, US |
| Depth: | ~2,380 metres |
| Interests: | Shell 35% (operator), Chevron 37.5%, BP 27.5% |
| Fields: | Great White, Tobago, Silvertip |
| Peak Production: | 130 kboe/d [API: 18-40] |
| Key contractors: | Technip, Kiewit, FMC Technologies, Heerema Marine Contractors |
Technology
Perdido, moored in ~2,380m of water, will be the world’s deepest Direct Vertical Access Spar. The spar will act as a hub for, and enable development of, three fields – Great White, Tobago, and Silvertip – and it will gather, process and export production within a 48km radius. Tobago, in ~2,925m of water, will be the world’s deepest subsea completion.
Environment and society
Social and environmental responsibility is a central pillar of Shell’s operations. Shell’s Gulf of Mexico operations have a long association with the city of New Orleans, and this is reflected in the contribution the company has made to many recovery programmes after Hurricane Katrina. Shell’s ‘Coming Home’ campaign and sponsorship of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – a key event in the city’s on-going recovery – helped build confidence in the City’s future. Shell is also involved in projects such as wetlands restoration on the Texas/ Louisiana coast.
Current developments
The Perdido spar is being constructed by Technip in Pori, Finland and the topsides that sit on the hull are being constructed in Ingleside, Texas by Kiewit. Meanwhile, the Noble Clyde Boudreaux is currently on location drilling the development wells. There will be 22 direct vertical access wells from the spar, with an additional 8 tiebacks from subsea completions.
Deepwater milestones
Related press releases
26 Oct 2006 - Shell announces plans to develop in the ultra deepwater of the Gulf of Mexico
Related links
Shell in the US
'Coming Home' Campaign
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival