A Deepwater Marvel: The Whale Project Comes to Life
In a groundbreaking feat of engineering and collaboration, U.S.-based offshore engineering giant McDermott has successfully wrapped up operations on Shell’s Whale deepwater oil project in the Gulf of Mexico. This ambitious endeavor, located in the Perdido Corridor, marks a significant milestone in ultra-deepwater energy production. The project, which began with a hydrocarbon discovery in 2017, has now culminated in the start of oil production, showcasing cutting-edge technology and sustainable innovation.
The Whale development, operated by Shell Offshore (60%) with Chevron holding the remaining 40%, features a semi-submersible floating production unit (FPU) capable of producing an estimated peak of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. With a recoverable resource volume of 480 million barrels, this project is a testament to the ingenuity and expertise of the teams involved.
Engineering Excellence Meets Sustainability
McDermott’s role in the project was nothing short of monumental. Leveraging its advanced marine assets, including the North Ocean 102 vessel and the newly upgraded Amazon, the company executed complex pipelay operations in water depths of nearly 2,800 meters (9,100 feet). The installation of 50 kilometers of pipeline and 15 kilometers of umbilicals connected five subsea drill centers to the Whale FPU, enabling seamless production.
The Amazon, McDermott’s ultra-deepwater pipelay vessel, played a pivotal role in the project. Equipped with a highly automated system, it installed five steel catenary risers, each stretching 3,350 meters—a first for the Gulf of Mexico. This achievement not only highlighted the vessel’s advanced capabilities but also set a new benchmark for subsea infrastructure projects.
Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project. The Whale FPU boasts energy-efficient gas turbines and compression systems, resulting in a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity compared to Shell’s Vito platform. This aligns with Shell’s commitment to lowering the carbon footprint of its Gulf of Mexico operations, which already rank among the lowest in the world for GHG intensity.
Collaboration and Innovation: The Secret Sauce
The success of the Whale project was driven by seamless collaboration between McDermott, Shell, and other key players. Seatrium handled the construction of the FPU, while Boskalis’ Boka Vanguard vessel transported the 25,000-ton unit to its final destination. The integration of the topside and hull in a single lift, made possible by Goliath twin cranes with a combined 30,000-ton lifting capacity, was a jaw-dropping engineering feat.
Mahesh Swaminathan, McDermott’s Senior Vice President of Subsea and Floating Facilities, emphasized the importance of teamwork: “This project demonstrates the power of collaboration, engineering expertise, and ingenuity. Together, we overcame challenges and made history, showcasing the strategic value of the Amazon in ultra-deepwater environments.”
What’s Next for Shell and McDermott?
With the Whale project now operational, Shell is continuing to expand its Gulf of Mexico portfolio. The company recently announced a $735 million deal to acquire ConocoPhillips’ interests in the Ursa and Europa assets, further solidifying its presence in the region. Meanwhile, McDermott is building on its success, having recently completed offshore installation work in Malaysia and secured a front-end engineering design (FEED) contract with Repsol for two oil fields.
The Whale project is more than just an engineering triumph—it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable energy production. By combining cutting-edge technology, environmental stewardship, and unparalleled collaboration, McDermott and Shell have set a new standard for deepwater oil development.
