
Chevron Corporation and Shell have announced the start of oil production from the Whale semi-submersible platform in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
The project, located approximately 300 kilometres southwest of Houston, marks a significant milestone in offshore energy production.
The Whale platform, situated in more than 2,600 metres of water on Alaminos Canyon Block 773, is expected to reach a peak production of 100,000 gross barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d).
The development plan includes up to 15 wells in its initial phase, utilising energy-efficient gas turbines and compression systems.
Bruce Niemeyer, president of Chevron Americas Exploration & Production, stated: “Production from Whale brings Chevron another step closer to reaching 300,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico by 2026.”
He highlighted Chevron’s position as a leading leaseholder in the Gulf, noting the company’s ability to produce oil and natural gas with some of the lowest carbon intensity in the world.
The Whale project is a joint venture between Chevron U.S.A. Inc., which holds a 40 per cent working interest, and Shell Offshore Inc., the operator with a 60 per cent stake.
This collaboration builds on the companies’ existing partnership in the region, including Chevron’s 37.5 per cent interest in the nearby Shell-operated Perdido spar platform.
The platform’s design leverages a simplified model, replicating 99 per cent of the hull design and 80 per cent of the topsides from Shell’s Vito field.
This approach is expected to result in lower emissions, reduced costs, and higher returns.
This latest development follows Chevron‘s recent successes in the Gulf, including first production from its high-pressure Anchor project and the commencement of water injection operations at the Jack/St. Malo and Tahiti facilities.
As energy companies continue to invest in deepwater projects, the Whale platform represents a significant step forward in efficient and environmentally conscious offshore oil production.