Royal Dutch Shell unveils success in Gulf of Mexico

Royal Dutch Shell on Wednesday revealed significant drilling results at an exploratory well at the Vicksburg discovery in the Gulf of Mexico. The well, located 75 miles offshore in the De Soto Cayon Block 393 in 7,446 feet (ft) of water, encountered more than 500ft of net oil pay after being drilled to a total depth of 26,385ft.The Vicksburg A discovery is estimated to hold potentially recoverable resources of more than 100m barrels of oil equivalent (boe).It adds to the more than 500m boe of potentially recoverable resources that have already been discovered and appraised at the nearby Appomattox discovery. "The results of the Vicksburg well strengthen our existing deepwater Gulf of Mexico exploration portfolio and should contribute to the nearby Appomattox discovery," said Mark Shuster, Executive Vice President Shell Upstream Americas Exploration.Shell is the operator with a 75% interest. Partner, Nexen, holds the remaining 25% stake.RD