Shell Offshore Inc., a subsidiary of Shell plc, has commenced production at the Whale floating production facility in the Gulf of Mexico. The Whale project adopts the simplified and cost-efficient design of the Vito platform, which began operations in early 2023. The development is jointly owned by Shell Offshore Inc. (60%, operator) and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (40%).

Zoë Yujnovich, Shell's Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, emphasized the project's significance: "Whale underscores our focus on delivering energy efficiently while reducing emissions from our Upstream operations. It will contribute significantly to our goal of bringing online projects with a combined peak production exceeding 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day between 2023 and 2025."

Whale is expected to achieve a peak production of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), with an estimated recoverable resource volume of 480 million boe. The facility replicates 99% of the hull design and 80% of the topsides from the Vito platform, ensuring cost efficiency and design consistency. It incorporates energy-efficient gas turbines and compression systems, enabling a greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity approximately 30% lower over its life cycle compared to Vito.

This deep-water development strengthens Shell’s robust Gulf of Mexico portfolio, known for its low GHG intensity in oil production on a global scale. By integrating innovative technologies and streamlined designs, the Whale project exemplifies Shell’s commitment to balancing energy production with environmental responsibility while meeting global energy demands.

The Whale production facility, located in Alaminos Canyon Block 773, is adjacent to Shell’s Silvertip field and about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Perdido platform, approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Houston. Discovered in 2017, Whale features a semi-submersible production host situated in over 8,600 feet (2,600 meters) of water, with 15 wells connected via subsea infrastructure. Its design replicates Shell’s Vito facility in the Mars Corridor, leveraging similar engineering, construction, and supply chain strategies. Despite a one-year delay in its final investment decision due to COVID-era cash preservation measures, Whale achieved first oil 7.5 years after discovery. With an estimated peak production of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and substantial recoverable resources, Whale reflects Shell’s leadership in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Its production maintains one of the lowest greenhouse gas intensities globally, as benchmarked against other IOGP oil- and gas-producing members.

Royal Dutch Shell plc is a global energy company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, and marketing of oil and natural gas. The company also produces and markets chemicals and invests in alternative energy solutions, including wind, solar, and electric vehicles.