Shell Trinidad and Tobago says production has started on Block 5C in the East Coast Marine Area (ECMA) in the twin island republic. This marks a significant milestone in the delivery of gas both domestically and internationally through Atlantic LNG, the oil major said.
First gas at Barracuda was reached on July 18, 2021, and the estimated production for Barracuda represents 100% total gross figures.
“This is a key growth opportunity that supports our long-term strategy in the country as well as our global LNG growth ambitions,” said Maarten Wetselaar, Director of Integrated Gas, Renewable and Energy Solutions.
Block 5C, known as Project Barracuda, is a backfill project with approximately 25,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) (140 mmscf/d) of sustained near-term gas production with peak production expected to be approximately 40,000 boe/d (220 mmscf/d). It is Shell’s first greenfield project in the country and one of its largest in Trinidad and Tobago since the BG Group acquisition.
“We are immensely proud of our people and the remarkable work it took to achieve this milestone, particularly given that drilling began in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eugene Okpere, Shell’s Senior VP and Country Chair. “Our execution strategy had to be completely overhauled to deliver our business plan, all while working remotely. It required tremendous resilience, adaptability and commitment.”
Shell said the ECMA is one of the most prolific gas-producing areas in Trinidad and Tobago. As part of the company’s development strategy, it has sought ways to access the significant volumes that exist in the ECMA and to bring them online.
The Barracuda project comprises two subsea wells (both 100% Shell owned), one in the Endeavour field and the other in the Bounty field. Both are tied back to Shell’s Dolphin platform.
Shell announced Final Investment Decision for Project Barracuda in January 2020.
