The discovery well was drilled to a depth of approximately 25,400 feet and encountered a hydrocarbon column of approximately 300 feet. Transocean's semi-submersible Deepwater Nautilus, on contract to Shell, was used to drill the well. Shell is currently analyzing and evaluating the well data to determine next steps. Shell is operator of Vicksburg with a 57 1/2% interest; Nexen has 25%; and Plains Exploration & Production Company (NYSE: PXP) has 17 1/2%. "The results from Vicksburg are encouraging," said Annell Bay, Vice President of Exploration for Shell in the Americas. "We are excited about the Eastern Gulf of Mexico (EGOM) and our ability to become a key player in this emerging area. Shell has a significant lease holding in the EGOM from which we continue to mature opportunities for drilling. We were also an active bidder in the EGOM during Lease Sale 205 where we were apparent high bidder on 36 blocks." Shell Oil Company, including its consolidated companies and its share in equity companies, is one of America's leading oil and natural gas producers, natural gas marketers, gasoline marketers and petrochemical manufacturers. Shell, a leading oil and gas producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, is a recognized pioneer in oil and gas exploration and production technology. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies, employing approximately 108,000 people and operating in more than 130 countries and territories.
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