After earning six exploration licences (ELs), Shell began drilling on a two-well campaign in October, 2015. Drilling was completed in January, 2017. These were the first exploration wells drilled offshore of Nova Scotia in about a decade. Shell contracted the Stena IceMAX drillship, a dynamically positioned mobile offshore drilling unit suited to the North Atlantic environment and deep-water depths, to complete the work.
Shelburne Basin Deep-water Exploration Project
The Shelburne Basin Exploration Project was a deep-water drilling program that took place approximately 250 kilometres offshore south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, in an area known as the Southwest Scotian Shelf. We explored these waters, which range from 1500 to 3500 metres in depth, in search of hydrocarbons.
About Shelburne Basin Deep-water Exploration Project
Environmental Impact Statement
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) conducted a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project. The Agency invited the public to comment on the potential environmental effects of the project and the proposed measures to prevent or mitigate those effects. On June 15th, 2015 the federal government issued a Decision Statement report on the CEAA assessment.
To view the summary of the EIS or for more information, visit the Agency's website
Shelburne CEAA 2.4 Monterey Jack Closure Report
Shelburne CEAA 2.4 Monterey Jack Closure Report Exec Summary English
Shelburne CEAA 2.4 Monterey Jack Closure Report Exec Summary French
Shelburne CEAA 2.4 Cheshire L-97A Closure Report
Shelburne CEAA 2.4 Cheshire L-97A Closure Report Exec Summary English
Shelburne CEAA 2.4 Cheshire L-97A Closure Report Exec Summary French
Implementation Schedule
Shell must submit an Implementation Schedule for conditions contained in the CEAA Decision Statement to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) prior to the start of drilling. The Schedule will indicate the commencement and completion dates for each activity relating to the Conditions.
An Implementation Schedule has been submitted for each well of the first campaign. The Project Implementation Schedules are based upon the best available information at the time of submission and may be updated, as required.
Project Implementation Schedule - Cheshire Well
Project Implementation Schedule - Monterey Jack Well
Contact Information
For general inquiries on our Shelburne project, you can contact our toll-free number at 1-855-337-4121. Media enquiries can be directed to our media line at 1-877-850-5023 or by email:media-desk@shell.com
Learn more about global deep-water projects
More in About Us
What we do
Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies. We employ around 4,000 employees in Canada.
Sable Offshore Energy Project
The first offshore natural gas project in Atlantic Canada to deliver gas to the Maritimes and to the northeastern United States.
you might also like
Deep water
Vast resources of oil and gas lie deep beneath the ocean’s surface. They have the potential to support economic growth and help meet the world’s growing energy needs.
Integrated gas
Liquefying natural gas (LNG) so that it can be safely stored and shipped to markets around the world.
Overcoming technology challenges
We develop innovative technologies to find and safely unlock more, and affordable, energy from ever harder-to-reach places.