Posted online by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources' Division of Oil and Gas late yesterday, on May 6 Shell Exploration and Production Co. of Houston, Texas, on behalf of Shell Offshore Inc., surrendered its 18 leases in the West Harrison Bay Unit, or WHBU, to the State of Alaska.
The May 6 email from Shell was addressed to DNR Commissioner John Boyle and DNR Deputy Commissioner John Crowther from William Langin, SVP Exploration West & Deepwater.
"Since the WHBU was formed on December 7, 2020, Shell has worked to analyze the geologic data, design an exploration drilling plan, and bring in a co-owner to commence an exploration campaign. However, despite numerous engagements with potential co-owners and significant interest before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic, Shell has been unable to secure a suitable co-owner," Langin wrote.
"With the WHBU Agreement nearing its expiration, Shell respectfully requests the approval of the Director of the Division of Oil and Gas to voluntarily terminate the WHBU under Section 14.2 of the Unit Agreement. Concurrent with this request, Shell surrenders the leases underlying the WHBU by filing the attached written surrender under Section 19 of the leases," he wrote.
"Shell requests the continued confidentiality of the geologic information submitted to the Department of Natural Resources under AS 38.05.035(a)(8)," Langin added.
--KAY CASHMAN
Editor's note: See story in May 19 issue of Petroleum News, available Thursday, May 16, at www.PetroleumNews.com.
