Press Releases

Shell Exploration & Production company confirms Mars TLP is currently shut-in for repairs on pipeline

14/05/2004

When a leak was detected in the oil export line at the Mars TLP on Saturday, the platform was shut-in

Shell Exploration & Production Company confirms that its Mars Tension Leg Platform, located in Mississippi Canyon 807 in the Gulf of Mexico, is currently shut in while repairs are being made to the oil pipeline.

A leak was detected in the oil export line at the Mars TLP on Saturday, May 22. At that point, the platform was shut-in. It is estimated that approximately three gallons of oil were released.

The oil pipeline from the Mars TLP will remain shut-in until repairs can be made. A team of experts is onsite to identify repair options and expected shut-in time, which we expect to confirm shortly. Prior to shutting in, the Mars TLP was producing 150,000 barrels of oil per day and 170 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Shell owns 71.5% of Mars and is the operator and BP owns the additional 28.5%

Shell Oil Company

Phone: (713) 241-4544

Fax: (713) 241-6988

Houston, TX 77002