McDermott completes subsea infrastructure for Shell’s Whale Project in Gulf of America

McDermott International has successfully completed the engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) activities for Shell Offshore Inc.‘s Whale development in the Gulf of America. The project, awarded in 2021 and completed last month, involved executing ultra-deepwater subsea installations at depths of nearly 2,800 meters (9,100 feet).

With Shell already producing oil from Whale since early 2025, McDermott’s completion of subsea infrastructure marks a significant milestone in deepwater engineering. The project’s complexity required specialized marine assets, advanced pipelay technology, and seamless coordination across engineering and procurement teams.

How Did McDermott Execute the Whale Project?

McDermott’s work at Whale required the installation of approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) of pipeline and 15 kilometers (9 miles) of umbilicals, connecting five subsea drill centers to Shell’s floating production platform. The company deployed its North Ocean 102 vessel alongside the newly upgraded Amazon, which played a pivotal role in the deepwater pipelay operations.

The Amazon, making its debut in the Gulf of America, was instrumental in installing five 3,350-meter-long (11,000 feet) steel catenary risers, a critical component in ultra-deepwater field developments. The vessel’s advanced automation and high top tension capacity demonstrated its capabilities in handling large-diameter pipeline installations in challenging subsea environments.

McDermott emphasized that precision engineering, logistics coordination, and strict adherence to safety protocols ensured the project’s success. The integration of remote monitoring and automated pipelay systems further streamlined operations, allowing for more efficient deployment in deepwater conditions.

Why Is McDermott’s Role in Whale Significant?

The completion of McDermott’s EPCIC scope at Whale reinforces the company’s position as a key player in deepwater energy infrastructure. The project showcased McDermott’s expertise in executing high-risk, ultra-deepwater installations, demonstrating its ability to meet industry demands for technically advanced and safety-driven execution.

McDermott’s involvement in Whale also aligns with the growing demand for subsea infrastructure in deepwater oil and gas projects. As offshore developments move into deeper and more complex fields, the company’s ability to deliver efficient and cost-effective engineering solutions positions it as a preferred partner for future projects.

How Does McDermott’s Completion Support Shell’s Whale Development?

Whale is one of Shell’s latest deepwater oil projects in the Gulf of America, designed with a semi-submersible production platform that replicates 99% of the hull and 80% of the topsides from the Vito platform. The field, located approximately 200 miles southwest of Houston, is adjacent to Shell’s Silvertip field and the Perdido platform.

McDermott’s timely completion of the subsea infrastructure supports Shell’s long-term production targets. With an estimated peak output of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) and a recoverable resource volume of 480 million boe, Whale plays a crucial role in Shell’s deepwater expansion strategy. The subsea systems installed by McDermott ensure the continued flow of oil and gas from the field, optimizing production efficiency.

What Does This Mean for McDermott’s Future in Deepwater Projects?

McDermott’s successful execution at Whale solidifies its capabilities in ultra-deepwater engineering and construction, strengthening its portfolio in the offshore oil and gas sector. The use of advanced pipelay vessels, automation, and precision engineering highlights the company’s ability to meet the challenges of modern subsea developments.

The completion of this project also demonstrates McDermott’s ability to manage large-scale offshore contracts while maintaining safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. As global oil companies continue investing in deepwater fields, McDermott is well-positioned to secure future EPCIC contracts in the Gulf of America and beyond.

McDermott’s completion of EPCIC activities at Shell’s Whale development marks a major achievement in deepwater subsea engineering. With complex pipelay operations, high-tech vessel deployment, and seamless execution, the company has reinforced its expertise in ultra-deepwater installations. As demand for subsea field developments grows, McDermott’s role in Whale positions it as a leader in delivering high-efficiency, safety-driven offshore solutions.