Shell demonstrates renewed focus on hydrocarbons

Gulf of Mexico moves suggest cautious optimism in region’s deep waters, with a shift to work smarter and balance risks

Two FIDs in quick succession by Shell in the US Gulf of Mexico (GOM) demonstrate the major’s renewed focus on oil and gas. In mid-December, Shell announced an FID on a phased campaign to add three wells in the Great White unit, boosting production at the company’s Perdido spar. This was followed later in December by the announcement that Shell and partner Norway’s Equinor had taken FID on Sparta, which will be Shell’s 15th deepwater platform in the GOM. The FIDs also illustrate the continuing trends in deepwater drilling. Some operators have remained hesitant to pursue new deepwater exploration, opting instead to expand production at existing platforms by drilling new wells in already produc