SHELL Exploration and Production is understood to have shortlisted contractors for major awards related to the Na Kika development in the deep-water US Gulf. The major is tightlipped regarding the pared-down list of would-be vendors. However, sources indicate all of the early favourites are still in the hunt for the contracts, which are expected to be finalised around mid-January. The leading candidate to supply the Na Kika semi-submersible's hull is South Korea's Daewoo Heavy Industries.