SHELL'S DEEPWATER GULF TLP ON STREAM

Shell Offshore Inc. has started oil and gas production from its Auger field in 2,860 ft of water in the Gulf of Mexico, 1,100 ft deeper than previous gulf production. Shell installed its record setting Auger tension leg plantform (TLP) late in 1993 on Garden Banks Block 426, 214 miles southwest of New Orleans. The first production well is one of 14 planned at the TLP. Ten wells were predrilled prior to TLP installation, and most are expected to be producing before yearend.