Producers keen to explore beyond the traditional shelf had questions that needed answers regarding geology, reservoir behavior and overall economics.

Supermajor Shell had confidence on its side when it moved out into deep water. The operator had successfully tested the “leading edge” of the frontier with discoveries such as the Bull­winkle field in Green Canyon blocks 64, 65 and 109.

The find, in just over 1350 feet (411 metres) of water, would be developed via the world’s tallest pile-supported fixed-steel platform.

However,