McDermott has announced the successful and safe completion of its comprehensive engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) project for Shell Offshore Inc, a subsidiary of Shell plc., paving the way for the commencement of oil production at the significant Whale development in the Gulf of Mexico. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in ultra-deepwater energy production, showcasing McDermott’s advanced capabilities and collaborative prowess.

Awarded in 2021 and finalized last month, the project entailed complex subsea infrastructure development in extreme water depths, reaching nearly 2,800 meters (9,100 feet). McDermott leveraged its extensive marine assets, notably the North Ocean 102 and the newly upgraded Amazon vessel, to execute intricate pipelay operations. The project encompassed the installation of approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) of pipeline and 15 kilometers (9 miles) of umbilicals, connecting five subsea drill centers to Shell’s new Whale floating production platform.

A significant highlight of the project was the debut of the upgraded Amazon vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. Designed for complex offshore operations, the Amazon features an advanced ultra-deepwater pipelay system with a high level of automation. In a Gulf of Mexico first, the vessel successfully installed five 3,350 meters-long (approximately 11,000 feet) steel catenary risers, demonstrating its high-top tension capacity and setting a new benchmark for subsea infrastructure projects in ultra-deepwater environments.

The Shell Whale development, located approximately 200 miles southwest of Houston, is a testament to the future of sustainable and efficient energy production. The semi-submersible production platform is designed for remote operations and monitoring, allowing for comprehensive oversight of nearly every aspect of the facility. This advanced technology enables optimized production while minimizing environmental impact.

Mahesh Swaminathan, McDermott’s Senior Vice President, Subsea and Floating Facilities, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “The completion of the Whale project demonstrates the power of collaboration, engineering expertise, and ingenuity. Our relationship with Shell is one marked by trust, a focus on operational excellence, and solution-oriented project delivery.”

McDermott’s commitment to safety and operational excellence was paramount throughout the project. Rigorous safety protocols, coupled with skilled engineering and procurement, ensured the project’s successful completion. The project's success was also built upon seamless collaboration across multiple McDermott offices, demonstrating the company's globally integrated resources.

McDermott, a premier, fully integrated provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry, continues to drive innovation and advance the next generation of global energy infrastructure. McDermott’s technology-driven approach is focused on responsibly harnessing and transforming global energy resources.