Shell, the top U.S. offshore producer, has pushed back two new wells tied to its Perdido development until the end of the year, even as another came online in March. The timing shift affects the Great White unit in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, where the trio of wells had been slated for April. The company says the wells are designed to lift output, with peak combined rates of up to 22,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
The Perdido platform, which started up in 2010, can handle up to 125,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day at peak capacity. The latest schedule change comes as operators balance complex offshore operations with market needs and project execution risks.
Project Timeline and Output
Shell confirmed the revised schedule and the early start of one well, signaling progress but also near-term delays for the remaining work.
“Two of its wells to boost production at the Perdido offshore development were delayed to the end of the year, while one was brought online in March.”
All three wells were originally planned to be online in April. The company said the new wells, in aggregate, are expected to reach up to 22,000 boepd at peak rates once in steady service.
“All three wells, part of Perdido’s Great White unit, were originally expected to be online in April and set to produce up to 22,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) at peak rates.”
Perdido’s installed capacity remains a key factor. At full capability, the platform can process 125,000 boepd. The additional wells are intended to fill a portion of that capacity and sustain the field’s long-term output profile.
- New wells at peak: up to 22,000 boepd
- Perdido peak capacity: 125,000 boepd
- Two wells delayed to year-end; one started in March
Background on Perdido and Great White
Perdido is one of the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater hubs. It connects multiple fields, including the Great White unit, and routes production to shore. Since first oil in 2010, it has served as a central piece of Shell’s offshore portfolio in the United States.
Deepwater projects often unfold in phases. Operators drill, tie back, and start up wells over time to maintain plateau output and manage reservoir performance. This staged approach helps balance investment with production targets.
Shell’s status as the leading offshore producer in the U.S. highlights the scale of its Gulf operations. The company’s plan to add new barrels from Great White fits a broader strategy of incremental growth from existing hubs.
Operational Pressures and Market Context
Offshore timelines can shift for many reasons. Drilling conditions, equipment readiness, subsea tie-in work, and weather windows can all affect schedules. Even with strong planning, tasks at depth require precision and time.
The March start of one well shows that some workstreams are on track. The year-end target for the other two suggests Shell is aiming to bring the full set online within the current year, preserving the project’s contribution to near-term supply.
For refiners and traders, added Gulf of Mexico barrels can support regional supply. For the operator, new wells help keep hub utilization healthy and spread fixed costs over more production.
What the Numbers Mean for Output
If the wells reach targeted peaks, they could represent a meaningful lift to Perdido’s throughput, though still a fraction of total capacity. The staggered startup may smooth ramp-up and allow for performance tuning.
“Perdido, which began production in 2010, has an output capacity of 125,000 boepd at peak rates.”
The timing also places the two delayed wells near winter, a period that can pose operational challenges but also reflects typical project sequencing as work proceeds across the year.
Outlook and What to Watch
Key milestones ahead include the tie-in and commissioning of the remaining two wells and the pace at which the group reaches peak production. Any updates on reservoir performance and reliability will be closely watched.
For now, Shell’s plan aligns with a steady build approach. One well is online, two are slated for year-end, and the platform’s capacity can absorb the added volumes.
The next checkpoint will be operational status late this year. If the schedule holds, Perdido’s Great White unit should add new barrels that support the hub’s longevity and the U.S. offshore supply base.
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