### Shell Sanctions Waterflood Project at Gulf of Mexico Vito Field
In a significant move to enhance oil extraction and maximize resource recovery, Shell Offshore Inc., a subsidiary of Shell plc, has sanctioned a waterflood project at its Vito asset in the United States Gulf of Mexico. This decision marks a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing efforts to optimize production from its deepwater operations.
#### Background on the Vito Field
The Vito field, initially discovered in July 2009, stands in over 4,000 feet of water. Located approximately 75 miles south of Venice, Louisiana, and 10 miles south of the Shell-operated Mars Tension-Leg Platform (TLP), the field spans four Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) blocks in the Mississippi Canyon area. After more than a decade of development, Shell and its partner, Equinor, achieved first oil from the Vito field in February 2023.
### Waterflood Project Overview
The waterflood project involves injecting water into the reservoir formation to displace additional oil and re-pressurize the reservoir. This secondary recovery method aims to increase the recoverable resource volume by 60 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). The project is set to begin in 2027, marking a strategic move by Shell to maximize production capacity and leverage the benefits of waterflood technology.
### Benefits and Strategy
Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, emphasized the compelling reasons behind the waterflood project. “Over time, we’ve seen the benefits of waterflood as we look to fill our hubs in the Gulf of Mexico. This investment will deliver additional high-margin, lower-carbon barrels from our advantaged Upstream business while maximizing our potential from Vito”.
### Project Details and Environmental Impact
The project involves drilling three