Offshore staff

MARLY, Switzerland -- Shell has contracted SBM Offshore NV for the lease and operation of an FPSO for BC-10 field off Brazil.

The VLCC conversion FPSO is to process 100,000 b/d of oil and reinject upto 75,000 b/d of water. The vessel will be installed in 1,780 m of water.

Shell, as operator for itself, Petrobras and ONGC, has a 15-year commitment on the FPSO with an option to extend another five years. Start-up of the unit is expected in late 2008 or early 2009.

11/06/06