Shell Said No Damage To Underwaters of Gulf

Damage assessment at four offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico revealed no damage to underwater structures, according to a statement from Shell Exploration & Production, a unit of Royal Dutch Shell PLC.
"Underwater damage assessments at Mars, Ursa, Cognac and West Delta 143 have been completed and there is no damage to underwater facilities," the statement said. "Damage appears to be limited to topsides equipment."

Underwater structures include risers, tendons, and subsea equipment.
The platforms are still not operational.
Mars platform sustained severe damage, with its topside collapsing, and the company said repairs may keep it offline through the end of the year.

Shell net production rates in the Gulf of Mexico remain the same as last reported, approximately 160 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company produced a net 450,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day in the Gulf of Mexico before Hurricane Katrina.