Shell greenlights Vito oil field water injection to boost output

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Aug 2024 19:36

The water injection process, also known as "waterflood," is scheduled to begin in 2027.

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LTTS to provide Integrated Engineering Design and Procurement Services for Shell’s global assets (Photo: Business Wire)

International energy giant Shell announced on Wednesday that its subsidiary, Shell Offshore Inc., has made a final investment decision (FID) to initiate a water injection project at its Vito oil field in the US Gulf of Mexico.

The project aims to significantly boost oil production by displacing additional oil from the reservoir, according to a statement.

The water injection process, also known as "waterflood," is scheduled to begin in 2027. This method involves injecting water into the oil reservoir to sweep the displaced oil towards adjacent wells, thereby increasing the overall output of the field despite the environmental harm.

"Over time, we’ve seen the benefits of waterflood as we look to fill our hubs in the Gulf of Mexico," said Zoe Yujnovich, Shell's Integrated Gas and Upstream Director. "This investment will deliver additional high-margin, lower-carbon barrels from our advantaged Upstream business while maximizing our potential from Vito."

Shell has taken Final Investment Decision on a ‘waterflood’ project at Vito, an asset in the Gulf of Mexico. More: https://t.co/yLZ2qDEHtS pic.twitter.com/mr9OzYMakZ
— Shell (@Shell) August 14, 2024

The Vito oil field is located in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 150 miles southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a deepwater project situated in water depths of around 4,000 feet.

Discovered in 2009, Vito has been a significant focus for Shell due to its potential to yield high production volumes with relatively low development costs.

Production began in 2023 and is expected to reach a maximum production rate of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Shell Offshore Inc. holds a 63.11% ownership stake in the field, while the remaining 36.89% is owned by Norwegian state energy company Equinor.

Shell, a UK-Dutch oil and gas company with operations in over 70 countries, relocated its headquarters from The Hague to London in 2021 as part of its ongoing corporate restructuring.

The company's continued investment in the Gulf of Mexico underscores its commitment to maintaining a robust presence in the region, even as it navigates the global transition to cleaner energy sources.