Shell starts Pohokura gas production in New Zealand

Offshore staff

LONDON -- While the offshore platform installation is under way and the six offshore wells are expected to come onstream over the next year, Shell Exploration & Production has begun flowing gas from the onshore wells of its Pohokura Project in Taranaki, New Zealand.

Natural gas from Pohokura will go into the North Island gas network, and the condensate will be piped to storage tanks at Omata near New Plymouth for shipping to refineries.

Upon completion of development, Pohokura Project is expected to produce about 40,000 boe/d.

The Pohokura Project is being developed on behalf of the Joint Venture partners by Shell, as operator, with 48% interest. OMV New Zealand has 26% and Todd Pohokura Ltd 26% of the venture.

8/15/06