Shell, in partnership with the local government-run university Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), has introduced the largest simulation tank in South America for deepwater reservoir modeling studies. The project has a total investment of R$3.4 million (US$1.6 million) in infrastructure, R&D, and equipment.

The tank, measuring 35 x 7 x 4 m (115 x 23 x 13 ft), will be installed within university facilities and will serve as a deepwater reservoir R&D tool for Shell. It is likely that forthcoming studies will assist in enhancing oil and gas production in sedimentary basins.

The agreement between Shell and UFRGS was signed in 2008 as part of a contractual requirement between Shell and National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).