Shell has kicked off drilling operations on the Falcao-1 deepwater exploration well in Block 10 offshore São Tomé and Príncipe, utilizing Stena Drilling’s 10,000-ft drillship, Stena DrillMAX. The campaign is expected to conclude by the end of 2025.
In a statement to Esgian, a Shell spokesperson confirmed:
“We can confirm that Shell will drill a deepwater exploration well in Block 10 around 45 km north of São Tomé Island to obtain data for further exploration, appraisal, and development activities.”
The Stena DrillMAX drillship arrived at the location on 11 October 2025, following its previous campaign offshore Suriname for TotalEnergies from May to September 2025.
After completing the Falcao-1 well, the rig is expected to return to Suriname to drill another well for Shell, continuing the company’s deepwater exploration momentum in the Atlantic Margin.
