SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 09, 2025 – Shell has announced the start of production at its innovative Whale deep-water platform in the Gulf of Mexico. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Shell's commitment to efficient, lower-carbon energy production.
Whale of a Project: Efficiency and Sustainability
Whale is not just another oil platform; it's a testament to Shell's dedication to maximizing value while minimizing environmental impact. Based on the design of its predecessor, Vito, Whale incorporates cutting-edge technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, emphasized this commitment, stating, “Whale demonstrates our focus on driving more value with less emissions from our Upstream business as we deliver the energy people need today. It will make a significant contribution to our commitment to bring projects online, with a total peak production of more than 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from 2023 through 2025.”
Key Features and Benefits:
- Reduced Emissions: Whale boasts a 30% lower greenhouse gas intensity over its life cycle compared to Vito, thanks to energy-efficient gas turbines and compression systems.
- Efficient Design: By replicating 99% of Vito's hull design and 80% of its topsides, Shell optimized construction and reduced costs.
- High Production: With a peak production estimated at 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), Whale significantly boosts Shell's Gulf of Mexico output.
- Substantial Resources: The Whale field holds an estimated recoverable resource volume of 480 million boe.
Location and Technology:
Located in the Alaminos Canyon Block 773, Whale sits in over 8,600 feet (2,600 meters) of water. The platform utilizes a semi-submersible design and connects to 15 wells via subsea infrastructure. This strategic location places it near other Shell-operated fields, including Silvertip and Perdido.
Overcoming Challenges:
Despite facing a one-year delay in its final investment decision due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shell successfully brought Whale online 7.5 years after its discovery in 2017. This achievement highlights the company's resilience and commitment to project delivery.
Shell's Leadership in the Gulf of Mexico:
Shell is the leading operator in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and Whale further strengthens its position. The company's deep-water projects in the region are known for having some of the lowest greenhouse gas intensity in the world, demonstrating Shell's commitment to responsible energy production.
Looking Ahead:
Whale's launch is a significant milestone for Shell and the energy industry. It showcases how technological advancements can drive both production efficiency and environmental responsibility. As global energy demands continue to evolve, projects like Whale demonstrate Shell's dedication to providing reliable energy solutions while minimizing its carbon footprint.