**Shell Embarks on Waterflood Project at Vito Field in the Gulf of Mexico**
Shell Offshore Inc., a subsidiary of Shell plc, has made a significant investment decision by approving a waterflood project for its Vito asset in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. This strategic move aims to enhance oil extraction and maximize the field’s potential, leveraging advanced oil recovery techniques to boost production capacity.
### The Vito Field: A Journey From Discovery to Production
The Vito field was first discovered in July 2009 in the Mississippi Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico. Located over 4,000 feet underwater, approximately 75 miles south of Venice, Louisiana, this field spans four Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) blocks. The initial design for the Vito host was simplified and re-scoped in 2015, resulting in an approximately 80% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and over a 70% cost reduction from the original design concept.
First oil was achieved from the Vito field in February 2023, marking a major milestone in the project’s journey. This accomplishment was the result of collaborative efforts between Shell and its partner, Equinor.
### The Waterflood Project: A Secondary Recovery Method
The upcoming waterflood project involves injecting water into the reservoir formation to displace additional oil, physically sweeping it towards adjacent production wells. This secondary recovery method is expected to increase recoverable resource volume by 60 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). The water injection wells were drilled as pre-producers, setting the stage for enhanced oil recovery.
### Enhanced Capabilities through Sustainable Practices
Shell’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to minimize environmental impact. The Vito field’s design improvements have significantly reduced CO₂ emissions by 80% over the platform’s lifetime, while also achieving a substantial cost reduction. This approach aligns