Shell and Chevron have commenced oil production from the Whale semi-submersible platform, located in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, holds a 40% stake in the project, while Shell Offshore Inc. operates the platform with a 60% share.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Chevron, following its first production from the high-pressure Anchor project and the start of water injection operations at its Jack/St. Malo and Tahiti facilities in the Gulf of Mexico last year.
Bruce Niemeyer, President of Chevron Americas Exploration & Production, noted, "The Whale platform brings us closer to our goal of producing 300,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day in the Gulf of Mexico by 2026. As a leading leaseholder in the region, Chevron continues to deliver affordable, reliable energy with some of the world's lowest carbon intensity while driving higher returns and cash flow."
Zoë Yujnovich, Shell's Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, emphasized the project's alignment with Shell's strategic goals: "Whale highlights our commitment to delivering energy with reduced emissions while meeting today's demand. It represents a key contribution to our objective of achieving more than 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from new projects between 2023 and 2025."
Whale's peak production is projected to reach 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed), with the first development phase including up to 15 wells. Designed for efficiency, the platform incorporates advanced gas turbines and compression systems to minimize emissions, reduce costs, and maximize returns.
Situated about 200 miles (320 km) southwest of Houston on Alaminos Canyon Block 773, Whale lies in water depths exceeding 8,600 feet (2,620 m). It is approximately 10 miles from Shell's Perdido spar platform, where Chevron holds a 37.5% interest.