Shell takes FID on 2.7-tcf Manatee gas field off Trinidad and Tobago

Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd., a subsidiary of Shell PLC, has taken final investment decision on the Manatee project, a 2.7 tcf undeveloped natural gas field in the East Coast Marine Area (ECMA) offshore Trinidad and Tobago. Manatee is slated to start production in 2027 and reach peak production of about 104,000 boe/d (604 MMscfd).

ECMA is home to Shell's largest gas-producing fields in the country including Dolphin, Starfish, Bounty, and Endeavour. The Manatee gas field will provide backfill for the country's 15-million tonne/year Atlantic LNG plant.

Shell plans to grow its LNG business by 20-30% by 2030, compared with 2022, and LNG liquefaction volumes are planned to grow 25-30%, relative to 2022, as outlined at Shell's Capital Markets Day in 2023.

Shell is operator of Manatee with a 100% working interest under the sub-Block 6D production sharing contract. The Loran-Manatee field was discovered in 1983 and subsequently appraised via four wells. Loran represents the portion of the field in Venezuelan waters and Manatee represents the portion of the field in Trinidad and Tobago waters.

Development will utilize a normally unattended installation platform in the ECMA with eight development wells via a 110-km, 32-in. OD pipeline to the Shell-operated 3-bcfd onshore Beachfield gas processing plant, for onward shipment toAtlantic LNG and the National Gas Co. of Trinidad and Tobago for use in the domestic market.