Shell Canada has secured approval from Canada’s Environment M inistry for its East Coast offshore drilling project in a region south of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Following the approval, Shell will begin its $1bn exploratory drilling programme later this year.

Canada Federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq conditionally approved the project, claiming that it would not harm the environment.

"Shell must ensure that the project takes mitigation measures to protect fish and marine habitats."

Under the conditions, Shell must ensure that the project takes mitigation measures to protect fish and marine habitats, in addition to follow-up requirements.

The company still needs to obtain the further regulatory permits and approvals from the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board to go ahead with the project.

In 2014, Shell contracted the 228m vessel Stena IceMax owned by Stena Drilling of Aberdeen, Scotland, for the drilling programme.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

As part of the Shelburne Basin Venture Exploration Drilling Project, Shell proposes up to seven exploration wells within six exploration licenses (EL) over a four year period from 2015 to 2019.

With a 50% working interest in the project, Shell operates the ELs.

ConocoPhillips is holding a 30% non-operating interest in the project and the remaining 20% non-operating interest is held by Suncor Energy.