Shell yesterday (May 24) announced a large, deep-water, exploration discovery in the Norphlet geologic play in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico with its Dover well (100% Shell). The Dover discovery is Shell's sixth in the Norphlet and encountered more than 800 net feet of pay (244 meters). The discovery is located approximately 13 miles from the Appomattox host and is considered an attractive potential tieback. Shell's Appomattox host has now arrived on location in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and is expected to start production before the end of 2019.

Map showing the location of Shell's Dover discovery and its proximity to Shell's new Appomattox host in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico .

"Dover showcases our expertise in discovering new, commercial resources in a heartland helping deliver our deep-water growth priority," said Andy Brown, Upstream Director for Royal Dutch Shell. "By focusing on near-field exploration opportunities in the Norphlet, we are adding to our resource base in a prolific basin that will be anchored by the Appomattox development."

Shell's major, deep-water hubs are well positioned for production expansion through near-field exploration and additional subsea tiebacks. The company expects its global, deep-water production to exceed 900,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2020, from already discovered, established areas.