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Production from Cardamom will flow through the Auger platform, minimising the offshore footprint by using existing infrastructure. The development of the Cardamom field is the latest step in Shell’s deep-water energy production activities in the GoM. Perdido, the world’s deepest offshore production facility, came on-stream in 2010. Later that year Shell announced the decision to go ahead with a second platform in our Mars B field in the GoM.. Today’s final investment decision for Cardamom is in line with Shell’s continued drive to increase global oil and gas production. The rapid progress from discovery of the reservoir to the launch of development plans represents Shell’s ability to move forward with projects of major value. • Cardamom is 100% Shell owned and operated. • The Cardamom discovery is located in Garden Banks Block 427, approximately 362 kilometres (225 miles) south-west of New Orleans, Louisiana, in water more than 800 metres (2,720 feet) deep. • The completed subsea system will include five well expandable manifolds, a dual 20-centimetre (8-inch) flowline, and eight well umbilicals. • Modifications to the Auger platform will include additional subsea receiving equipment, a new production train and weight mitigation, which is expected to significantly increase the Cardamom liquid handling, cooling and production capacities. • The Cardamom discovery was a result of advances in seismic imaging and extended reach drilling. The potential of Cardamom was first recognised early in the Auger development, but could not be fully assessed due to a layer of salt nearby which affected the quality of traditional seismic images. Advances in seismic imaging helped achieve significant improvements. • The Cardamom discovery well was drilled from Auger and features a measured depth of 9,642 metres (31,634 feet), a reach of more than 4,570 metres (15,000 feet), and a vertical depth greater than 7,620 metres (25,000 feet). • The first Cardamom exploration well has been producing directly from the Auger platform since December, 2010. • Since initial development in 1994, the Auger field has produced more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalent. Shell International BV press release |
Shell launches development of major new Gulf of Mexico discovery
“Technological advances in seismic imaging and drilling have allowed us to both discover and access this new field,” said Marvin Odum, Shell Upstream Americas Director. “This is another sizeable deep-water investment by Shell that strengthens energy supplies to the USA. It will also secure employment for more offshore workers.”