Photos: At sea with Shell and the landmark Mars B project

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Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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The Olympus platform is Shell's largest facility in the Gulf of Mexico. At 406 feet tall, it's nearly twice the height of the Astrodome.
The Olympus platform is Shell's largest facility in the Gulf of Mexico. At 406 feet tall, it's nearly twice the height of the Astrodome.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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Shell’s Olympus platform was towed into the Gulf of Mexico last year and started producing oil in February.
Shell’s Olympus platform was towed into the Gulf of Mexico last year and started producing oil in February.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell operations manager David Loeb, right, and Shell spokeswoman Kayla Macke, left, fly in a helicopter to the Bully I rig in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell operations manager David Loeb, right, and Shell spokeswoman Kayla Macke, left, fly in a helicopter to the Bully I rig in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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The Noble Bully I drillship, built in 2011, is drilling wells in the Gulf of Mexico as part of Shell’s Mars B project.
The Noble Bully I drillship, built in 2011, is drilling wells in the Gulf of Mexico as part of Shell’s Mars B project.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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The Noble Bully I drillship is considered efficient, since it’s smaller than other vessel that have comparable capacities.
The Noble Bully I drillship is considered efficient, since it’s smaller than other vessel that have comparable capacities.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Access to and from the ship is generally done by helicopter. The trip takes about an hour from New Orleans.
Access to and from the ship is generally done by helicopter. The trip takes about an hour from New Orleans.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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When helicopters take off and land from the drillship, staff stands by with fire hoses in case of an emergency.
When helicopters take off and land from the drillship, staff stands by with fire hoses in case of an emergency.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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Offshore workers generally work 12-hour shifts, typically spending two or three weeks on a rig at a time. A helicopter ride home is a welcome respite.
Offshore workers generally work 12-hour shifts, typically spending two or three weeks on a rig at a time. A helicopter ride home is a welcome respite.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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When visitors arrive at the Bully I drillship, one of the first things they see is an indication of just how seriously offshore operators take safety.
When visitors arrive at the Bully I drillship, one of the first things they see is an indication of just how seriously offshore operators take safety.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell has a 10-year lease on the Noble Bully I, but it also -- somewhat unusually -- owns it jointly with Noble Corp.
Shell has a 10-year lease on the Noble Bully I, but it also -- somewhat unusually -- owns it jointly with Noble Corp.
Photo: Shell Oil CO.
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Communications equipment helps keep the drillship connected, even though it sits many miles offshore.
Communications equipment helps keep the drillship connected, even though it sits many miles offshore.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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The Noble Bully I drillship was designed jointly by Noble Corp. and Shell. It was brought from Singapore to the Gulf of Mexico in 2011.
The Noble Bully I drillship was designed jointly by Noble Corp. and Shell. It was brought from Singapore to the Gulf of Mexico in 2011.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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The Noble Bully I drillship features a tower that rises straight up – different from a typical angled derrick – about 260 feet into the air.
The Noble Bully I drillship features a tower that rises straight up – different from a typical angled derrick – about 260 feet into the air.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Drillers aboard the Noble Bull I, performing work for Shell in the Gulf of Mexico, test a blowout preventer.
Drillers aboard the Noble Bull I, performing work for Shell in the Gulf of Mexico, test a blowout preventer.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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Mitch Whitaker, lead drilling foreman for Shell aboard the Noble Bully I, watches workers test the vessel’s blowout preventer.
Mitch Whitaker, lead drilling foreman for Shell aboard the Noble Bully I, watches workers test the vessel’s blowout preventer.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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An ROV team working offshore often has two operators -- one to pilot the ROV itself, and another who mans a device that watches the ROV.
An ROV team working offshore often has two operators -- one to pilot the ROV itself, and another who mans a device that watches the ROV.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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The Noble Bully I is outfitted with two ROVs, so it has a backup in case one is need of maintenance.
The Noble Bully I is outfitted with two ROVs, so it has a backup in case one is need of maintenance.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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ROVs became necessary for the offshore industry in the 1980s when the industry needed to perform work beyond depths that could be reached safely by human divers.
ROVs became necessary for the offshore industry in the 1980s when the industry needed to perform work beyond depths that could be reached safely by human divers.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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HD cameras mounted on ROVs often catch images of unusual, underwater sea life that they sometimes share with marine researchers.
HD cameras mounted on ROVs often catch images of unusual, underwater sea life that they sometimes share with marine researchers.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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Paul Morel, a Shell control room operator, works at the company’s New Orleans office and interacts regularly via remote connection with workers at the Olympus platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Paul Morel, a Shell control room operator, works at the company’s New Orleans office and interacts regularly via remote connection with workers at the Olympus platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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The Noble Bully I, currently drilling in the Gulf of Mexico for Shell Oil Co., has a bridge featuring navigation instruments.
The Noble Bully I, currently drilling in the Gulf of Mexico for Shell Oil Co., has a bridge featuring navigation instruments.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Paul Morel, a Shell control room operator, can interact closely with his counterparts offshore thanks to newly-installed underwater fiber optic cables.
Paul Morel, a Shell control room operator, can interact closely with his counterparts offshore thanks to newly-installed underwater fiber optic cables.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell's deep water integrated operations center in New Orleans is allowing the company to move some functions once performed offshore back onto land.
Shell's deep water integrated operations center in New Orleans is allowing the company to move some functions once performed offshore back onto land.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell employees in New Orleans can monitor the company's assets in the Gulf of Mexico through video cameras mounted on offshore platforms and connected via fiber optic cable.
Shell employees in New Orleans can monitor the company's assets in the Gulf of Mexico through video cameras mounted on offshore platforms and connected via fiber optic cable.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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In Shell's New Orleans office, a program called the EBS Bridge collects 7 million data points every day to monitor the performance of about 300 wells.
In Shell's New Orleans office, a program called the EBS Bridge collects 7 million data points every day to monitor the performance of about 300 wells.
Photo: Ryan Holeywel / Houston Chronicle
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Barry Gaston, team lead of Shell's real-time operations center, explains how the company monitors offshore drilling operations remotely to ensure top performance.
Barry Gaston, team lead of Shell's real-time operations center, explains how the company monitors offshore drilling operations remotely to ensure top performance.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Real-time data from the Bulll I drillship -- about 130 miles away from Shell's office in New Orleans -- is displayed in real time at the company's real time operations center.
Real-time data from the Bulll I drillship -- about 130 miles away from Shell's office in New Orleans -- is displayed in real time at the company's real time operations center.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Workers at Shell’s New Orleans facility monitor the performance of Gulf of Mexico drilling at the real-time operators center.
Workers at Shell’s New Orleans facility monitor the performance of Gulf of Mexico drilling at the real-time operators center.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell helps plan wells using 3D seismic imaging projected onto a 24-foot by 9-foot screen. Red lines represents wells in the Gulf of Mexico, and the blue figure is a salt formation.
Shell helps plan wells using 3D seismic imaging projected onto a 24-foot by 9-foot screen. Red lines represents wells in the Gulf of Mexico, and the blue figure is a salt formation.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Corey Halsell, a junior remotely operated underwater vehicle technician for Oceaneering, helps monitor the drillship’s blowout preventer.
Corey Halsell, a junior remotely operated underwater vehicle technician for Oceaneering, helps monitor the drillship’s blowout preventer.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Offshore rigs use ROVs to monitor their activities and perform careful tasks underwater. They became increasingly common in the 1980s.
Offshore rigs use ROVs to monitor their activities and perform careful tasks underwater. They became increasingly common in the 1980s.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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Offshore workers, who spend weeks at a time on a vessel, typically work 12-hour shifts and have little down time.
Offshore workers, who spend weeks at a time on a vessel, typically work 12-hour shifts and have little down time.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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Mitch Whitaker, the lead drilling foreman for Shell aboard the Noble Bully I, gives a tour of the facility.
Mitch Whitaker, the lead drilling foreman for Shell aboard the Noble Bully I, gives a tour of the facility.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Drillships and other offshore infrastructure feature lifeboats to protect workers in case of emergencies.
Drillships and other offshore infrastructure feature lifeboats to protect workers in case of emergencies.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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A group of safety workers are on-hand every time a helicopter arrives or departs.
A group of safety workers are on-hand every time a helicopter arrives or departs.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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David Loeb, Shell operations manager, poses in front of the tower on the Bully I drillship, part of the company's first big project in the Gulf of Mexico since the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010.
David Loeb, Shell operations manager, poses in front of the tower on the Bully I drillship, part of the company's first big project in the Gulf of Mexico since the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Jim Germanese, Olympus TLP development team lead at Shell, is helping to coordiante a project that could produce 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Jim Germanese, Olympus TLP development team lead at Shell, is helping to coordiante a project that could produce 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell operations manager David Loeb explains how the ship’s remotely operated underwater vehicle works.
Shell operations manager David Loeb explains how the ship’s remotely operated underwater vehicle works.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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About 144 people work on the Noble Bully I drillship, which is drilling for Shell in the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the vessel’s workers are Noble Corp. employee.
About 144 people work on the Noble Bully I drillship, which is drilling for Shell in the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the vessel’s workers are Noble Corp. employee.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell operations manager David Loeb, right, says the Noble Bully I will drill six development wells for its current project, known as Mars B, contributing about 80,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day to the effort. less
Shell operations manager David Loeb, right, says the Noble Bully I will drill six development wells for its current project, known as Mars B, contributing about 80,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day to the ... more
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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Though the Bully I is working for Shell, most of the workers on board are employees of Noble Corp.
Though the Bully I is working for Shell, most of the workers on board are employees of Noble Corp.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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A Shell employee holds an umbilical, which connects electrical and chemical components to subsea oil and gas wells.
A Shell employee holds an umbilical, which connects electrical and chemical components to subsea oil and gas wells.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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The Bully I's "moon pool" is the opening in the base of the hull from which drillers lower equipment into the sea.
The Bully I's "moon pool" is the opening in the base of the hull from which drillers lower equipment into the sea.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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The moon pool's water isn't artificially colored -- the Gulf of Mexico is really that blue.
The moon pool's water isn't artificially colored -- the Gulf of Mexico is really that blue.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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The moon pool's water isn't artificially colored -- the Gulf of Mexico is really that blue.
The moon pool's water isn't artificially colored -- the Gulf of Mexico is really that blue.
Photo: Shell Oil Co.
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Offshore workers sleep in small quarters. This room, which houses lead drilling foreman Mitch Whitaker, is considered desirable because he doesn’t have a roommate.
Offshore workers sleep in small quarters. This room, which houses lead drilling foreman Mitch Whitaker, is considered desirable because he doesn’t have a roommate.
Photo: Ryan Holeywell / Houston Chronicle
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GULF OF MEXICO — About 130 miles south of New Orleans, Shell Oil Company is funneling billions of dollars into the Mars B field in hopes of pumping out billions more.

The company has touted the project, expected to produce more than 100,000 barrels of oil a day at its peak, as one of its most important startups this year. By comparison, Shell netted 180,000 barrels daily from the Gulf of Mexico last year.

About 340 people are at work in the Mars B field aboard the Noble Bully drillship and the massive Olympus production platform. Just a mile away from Olympus is the original Mars production platform which began pumping oil from the field in 1996 and is one of the oldest platforms in the region.

The new effort is a renaissance for the Mars field and Shell’s first major play in the region since the Obama administration’s post-oil spill moratorium on drilling was lifted there.

To read more about Shell’s landmark endeavour, check out FuelFix energy reporter Ryan Holeywell’s full story on HoustonChronicle.com.

On FuelFix, you also can learn more about the the 18,000-mile journey of the Olympus hull, which was hauled through multiple bodies of water last year from its construction site in South Korea. The towering structure met up with its topsides at a shipyard near Corpus Christi, Texas, before tugboats towed it out to the Mars field.

Photo: Royal Dutch Shell
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Shell’s Olympus platform is set up on the Mars field in the Gulf of Mexico in July 2013.
Shell’s Olympus platform is set up on the Mars field in the Gulf of Mexico in July 2013.
Photo: Royal Dutch Shell
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Shell’s massive Olympus tension leg platform set sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425 mile trek to its final home on the Mars Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell’s massive Olympus tension leg platform set sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425 mile trek to its final home on the Mars Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Royal Dutch Shell
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Shell’s new Olympus platform now is stationed next to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell’s new Olympus platform now is stationed next to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Shell’s Olympus platform is now stationed at the Mars field in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico.
Shell’s Olympus platform is now stationed at the Mars field in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Royal Dutch Shell
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Shell’s new Olympus platform is secured near to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell’s new Olympus platform is secured near to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Royal Dutch Shell
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Shell’s new Olympus platform is set up next to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell’s new Olympus platform is set up next to Shell’s Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Royal Dutch Shell
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The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
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People gather on a dock to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
People gather on a dock to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
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A boater passes the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
A boater passes the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
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Workers stand aboard the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
Workers stand aboard the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
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The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
Image 12 of 102
The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is seen at dawn as it sets sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
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The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) sails from Kiewit Offshore Services past homes in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) sails from Kiewit Offshore Services past homes in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
Image 14 of 102
People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
Image 15 of 102
People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
Image 16 of 102
People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
People gather to watch the Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) set sail from Kiewit Offshore Services in Port Aransas, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
Image 17 of 102
The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) sails from Kiewit Offshore Services past homes in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension leg platform, started the ten day, 425-mile voyage to Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico on July 13. Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg less
The Royal Dutch Shell Plc Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) sails from Kiewit Offshore Services past homes in Ingleside, Texas, U.S., on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Olympus, Shell's biggest constructed tension ... more
Photo: Eddie Seal / Bloomberg
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Shell's Olympus platform, its largest and newest tension leg platform, started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico. less
Shell's Olympus platform, its largest and newest tension leg platform, started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of ... more
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
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Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
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Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
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Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
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Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 23 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 24 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 25 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 26 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 27 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 28 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 29 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 30 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 31 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 32 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 33 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 34 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 35 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 36 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
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Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 38 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 39 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 40 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 41 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 42 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 43 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 44 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 45 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 46 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 47 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 48 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Photo by Mike Duhon Productions / Mike Duhon Productions
Image 49 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Image 50 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Image 51 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Image 52 of 102
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shell's largest and newest tension leg platform started its final journey on Sunday, setting sail from Ingleside, Texas for a 425-mile voyage to the Mars B Field in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Shell's Olympus production platform rises above the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi June 5, 2013. The Olympus is scheduled to be towed later in the summer to Shell's Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans. less
Shell's Olympus production platform rises above the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi June 5, 2013. The Olympus is scheduled to be towed later in the summer to Shell's Mars B project 130 miles south of ... more
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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From Shell deep-water drilling platform Olympus three other drilling platform are under construction at the vast Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
From Shell deep-water drilling platform Olympus three other drilling platform are under construction at the vast Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
Photo: GEORGE TULEY / FOR THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE
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Workers at the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi on June 5, 2013 prepare Shell's Olympus production platform for towing later in the summer to the Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans.
Workers at the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi on June 5, 2013 prepare Shell's Olympus production platform for towing later in the summer to the Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans.
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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A workout room is crammed with fitness equipment inside the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
A workout room is crammed with fitness equipment inside the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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Everyone gets their own bunk, with a built-in TV and a bathroom on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. FOR THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE GEORGE TULEY less
Everyone gets their own bunk, with a built-in TV and a bathroom on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. FOR THE ... more
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Steve Flack, the off-shore installation manager on the Shell drilling platform Olympus, describes the high-tech facilities of the control room at the Kiewit off-shore services facility at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. The Olympus will be connected to Shell offices in New Orleans by fiber optics. less
Steve Flack, the off-shore installation manager on the Shell drilling platform Olympus, describes the high-tech facilities of the control room at the Kiewit off-shore services facility at Ingleside, Texas ... more
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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Antonio Cespedes uses a calculator as he does paperwork inside the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
Antonio Cespedes uses a calculator as he does paperwork inside the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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Sitting beneath the deck of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013 are a total of 24 precisely aligned octagonal drillling guides. The drilling rig will be moved over each of the drilling guide to begin drilling in each of the 24 pre-drilled well locations. The pre-drilling of about 6000 feet is to assure that when full scale drilling is started on the Olympus there will be no surprises. less
Sitting beneath the deck of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013 are a total of 24 precisely aligned octagonal ... more
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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At the foot on one of the four legs of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site are containment booms pre-deployed in the event of any spills at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. less
At the foot on one of the four legs of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site are containment booms pre-deployed in the event of any spills at Ingleside, Texas ... more
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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At the processing module fuel gas is separated from oil and water and is used to power gas turbines that produce 28 meagwatts for the operaqtions on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. less
At the processing module fuel gas is separated from oil and water and is used to power gas turbines that produce 28 meagwatts for the operaqtions on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the ... more
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
Image 63 of 102
The medical facility on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, is equipped to treeat everything from minor cuts and scrapes to major pain medication for kidney stones Wednesday, June 5, 2013 i. The policy on the shell platforms is "everything is treated" from minor cuts and abrassions to something as serious as pain medication for kidney stones. less
The medical facility on the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, is equipped to treeat everything from minor cuts and scrapes to major pain medication ... more
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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Shell is commited to nothing as small as chewing gum goes overboard into the work site at the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013. A worker vacuums the floor in the power module to keep even minor debris from being blown into the water at the work site. less
Shell is commited to nothing as small as chewing gum goes overboard into the work site at the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June ... more
Photo: George Tuley / For the Houston Chronicle
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The critical alarm panel sits in one of the work stations in the control room of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
The critical alarm panel sits in one of the work stations in the control room of the Shell off-shore drilling platform Olympus at the Kiewit Off-Shore Services site at Ingleside, Texas Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
Photo: GEORGE TULEY / FOR THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE
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Workers at the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi on June 5, 2013 prepare Shell's Olympus production platform for towing later in the summer to the Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans.
Workers at the Ingleside shipyard near Corpus Christi on June 5, 2013 prepare Shell's Olympus production platform for towing later in the summer to the Mars B project 130 miles south of New Orleans.
Photo: George Tuley / for the Houston Chronicle
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Elevators carry workers and visitors up the hull and onto the platform.
Elevators carry workers and visitors up the hull and onto the platform.
Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell says it has taken 14 million hours of work to build the Olympus. By the time it's complete, the entire project will have clocked 20 million hours.
Shell says it has taken 14 million hours of work to build the Olympus. By the time it's complete, the entire project will have clocked 20 million hours.
Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle
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The derrick rises above the Shell Olympus hull.
The derrick rises above the Shell Olympus hull.
Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle
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Royal Dutch Shell is making the final preparations to sail its state-of-the-art Olympus platform into the Gulf of Mexico.
Royal Dutch Shell is making the final preparations to sail its state-of-the-art Olympus platform into the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle
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Final preparations are made aboard the Shell Olympus platform.
Final preparations are made aboard the Shell Olympus platform.
Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle
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This hydraulic clamp helps assure the massive Olympus platform doesn't fall over in a hurricane.
This hydraulic clamp helps assure the massive Olympus platform doesn't fall over in a hurricane.
Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle
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The Olympus, designed to operate in water depths of 3,000 to 8,000 feet, will be Shell’s sixth tension leg platform in the Gulf.
The Olympus, designed to operate in water depths of 3,000 to 8,000 feet, will be Shell’s sixth tension leg platform in the Gulf.
Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle
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The Olympus will be Shell’s sixth tension leg platform and its largest to date.
The Olympus will be Shell’s sixth tension leg platform and its largest to date.
Photo: Emily Pickrell / Houston Chronicle
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Shell's Olympus platform readies for its trek into the Gulf of Mexico, where it will work on Shell’s deep-water Mars field.
Shell's Olympus platform readies for its trek into the Gulf of Mexico, where it will work on Shell’s deep-water Mars field.
Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell
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Final preparation of the Olympus platform was done at Kiewit Corp.’s fabrication yard in Ingleside, before the structure heads to work in the Gulf of Mexico.
Final preparation of the Olympus platform was done at Kiewit Corp.’s fabrication yard in Ingleside, before the structure heads to work in the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell
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The Olympus hull traveled from South Korea, more than 18,000 miles over two months, to reach Ingleside, Texas.
The Olympus hull traveled from South Korea, more than 18,000 miles over two months, to reach Ingleside, Texas.
Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell
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The 10-million-pound drilling structure was loaded onto a barge in Baytown and shipped to Ingleside, where it was mated with the Olympus platform.
The 10-million-pound drilling structure was loaded onto a barge in Baytown and shipped to Ingleside, where it was mated with the Olympus platform.
Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell
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It took two years and 575,000 man-hours to build the rig, which give the Olympus drilling capability in addition to its production function.
It took two years and 575,000 man-hours to build the rig, which give the Olympus drilling capability in addition to its production function.
Photo: Mike Duhon Productions / Shell
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Shell's Olympus drilling rig was constructed at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas.
Shell's Olympus drilling rig was constructed at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas.
Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication
Image 81 of 102
The rig's lower substructure is lifted during construction at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas. The rig will be part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform, which will be used in the Gulf of Mexico. less
The rig's lower substructure is lifted during construction at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas. The rig will be part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform, which will be ... more
Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication
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The drill floor is lifted onto the drilling structure, which will become part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform. Shell plans to use the Olympus to add a six-well subsea development in the Gulf of Mexico. less
The drill floor is lifted onto the drilling structure, which will become part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform. Shell plans to use the Olympus to add a six-well subsea development in the ... more
Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication
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Workers at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas work on the drilling rig that will become part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico
Workers at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas work on the drilling rig that will become part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico
Photo: Gary Fountain / Houston Chronicle
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Chef Mark Semkiw of Premier Offshore Catering, prepares barbecue ribs and chicken for workers assembling Shell's Olympus platform at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas.
Chef Mark Semkiw of Premier Offshore Catering, prepares barbecue ribs and chicken for workers assembling Shell's Olympus platform at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas.
Photo: Gary Fountain / Houston Chronicle
Image 85 of 102
Lights illuminate the rig under construction at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas. The rig will be part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform, which will be used in the Gulf of Mexico. less
Lights illuminate the rig under construction at the Lonestar Energy Fabrication yard in Baytown, Texas. The rig will be part of Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform, which will be used in the Gulf ... more
Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication
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The Olympus drilling rig, constructed by Lonestar Energy Fabrication, will become part of the world's largest tension leg platform. Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus TLP weighs five million pounds.
The Olympus drilling rig, constructed by Lonestar Energy Fabrication, will become part of the world's largest tension leg platform. Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus TLP weighs five million pounds.
Photo: Gary Fountain / Houston Chronicle
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The Olympus drilling rig, constructed by Lonestar Energy Fabrication, will become part of the world's largest tension leg platform. Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus TLP weighs five million pounds.
The Olympus drilling rig, constructed by Lonestar Energy Fabrication, will become part of the world's largest tension leg platform. Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus TLP weighs five million pounds.
Photo: Gary Fountain / Houston Chronicle
Image 88 of 102
The rig is secured on a barge near Baytown, Texas. It will make a four-day, 250-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas to be mated with Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform for use in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico. less
The rig is secured on a barge near Baytown, Texas. It will make a four-day, 250-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas to be mated with Royal Dutch Shell's Olympus offshore oil platform for use in the deep-water ... more
Photo: Lonestar Energy Fabrication
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Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
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Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull traveled 18,272 miles, from South Korea to Ingleside, Texas. The two-month journey was completed Jan. 26, 2013.
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull traveled 18,272 miles, from South Korea to Ingleside, Texas. The two-month journey was completed Jan. 26, 2013.
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 91 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 92 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 93 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 94 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 95 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 96 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 97 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 98 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 99 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 100 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 101 of 102
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, a vessel with a 26-person crew. less
Shell Offshore Inc.'s Olympus hull completed a 18,272-mile journey to Ingleside, Texas on Jan. 26, 2013. It took two months for the structure to travel from South Korea. It was transported on the Blue Marlin, ... more
Photo: Shell Offshore Inc.
Image 102 of 102
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