Shell delivers first gas from Barracuda Project

This marks a significant milestone in the delivery of gas both domestically and internationally through Atlantic LNG.

Maarten Wetselaar, Director of Integrated Gas, Renewable and Energy Solutions, said:

“Today’s announcement strengthens the resilience and competitiveness of Shell’s position in Trinidad and Tobago. This is a key growth opportunity that supports our long-term strategy in the country as well as our global LNG growth ambitions.”

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.

Eugene Okpere, Shell’s Senior VP and Country Chair, said:

“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. Our execution strategy had to be completely overhauled to deliver our business plan, all while working remotely. It required tremendous resilience, adaptability and commitment.”

The ECMA is one of the most prolific gas-producing areas in Trinidad and Tobago. As part of Shell’s development strategy, the company has sought ways to access the significant volumes that exist in the ECMA and to bring them online.

Fast facts

• First gas at Barracuda was reached on July 18, 2021, and the estimated production for Barracuda represents 100% total gross figures.
• 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.
• These are two of the deepest development wells in Trinidad and Tobago; Endeavour was drilled to a depth of 20,000 feet (6,096 metres) while Bounty was drilled to a depth of 16,000 feet (4,877 metres).
• Shell now looks forward to the delivery of the four-well development project in Block 22 and NCMA 4, known as the Colibri project. This is a joint venture with Heritage Petroleum Company Limited. First gas from Colibri is expected in 2022.
• Shell announced Final Investment Decision for Project Barracuda in January 2020.