Apr. 2012 - Shell has successfully drilled the northeast fault block of the Appomattox structure in the Gulf of Mexico. The company demonstrated contingent recoverable resource in the northeast block of approximately 215 MMboe, with a range of 120 to 370 MMboe of light oil. Future planned appraisal drilling will further refine this range.

Feb. 2012 - Shell has successfully appraised the Appomattox discovery in Mississippi Canyon Block 348 in the GOM. The well, located in a water depth of 7,257 feet (2,212 meters), reached a total depth of 25,851 feet (7,879 meters) and encountered about 150 feet (46 meters) of oil pay. The operator will continue to appraise the find in 2012 with an additional well in the southwest fault block and a sidetrack appraisal in the northwest fault block to further delineate the hydrocarbon accumulation. Further Appomattox and Vicksburg appraisals, if warranted, may extend into early 2013, stated Shell.

Aug. 2011 - Shell has commenced appraisal drilling on the Appomattox field in Mississippi Canyon Block 348. The operator is using the Deepwater Nautilus semisub to drill the wells. The prospect, located on Mississippi Canyon Block 392 in a water depth of 7,290 feet (2,222 meters), is wholly owned and operated by Shell.

May. 2011 - BOEMRE has approved Shell’s exploration plan for its Appomattox field, located on Mississippi Canyon Blocks 391 and 392. The plan includes five proposed wells and three previously approved wells. Shell plans to use the Deepwater Nautilus semisub to drill the wells.

Mar. 2010 - Shell made an oil discovery in the eastern Gulf of Mexico on the Appomattox prospect, which is positioned in 7,217 feet (2,200 meters) of water. Drilled by the Deepwater Nautilus, the discovery well reached a total depth of 25,077 feet (7,643 meters) and encountered roughly 530 feet (162 meters) of oil pay. Shell then drilled an appraisal sidetrack well to a depth of 25,950 feet (7,910 meters) and encountered roughly 380 feet (116 meters) of oil pay. The operator plans to further appraise the find this year. Appomattox is located on Mississippi Canyon Blocks 391 and 392, and Shell operates the prospect with an 80% interest while Nexen holds the remaining 20%.

Aug. 2009 - Transocean's Deepwater Natilus is slated to spud an exploration well at Shell's Appomattox prospect. The prospect, located on Mississippi Canyon Block 392 in a water depth of 7,290 feet (2,222 meters), is wholly owned and operated by Shell.

Jun. 2009 - Shell submitted an Initial Exploration Plan to MMS for Mississippi Canyon Blocks 391 and 392. The plan proposes to drill six wells on MC392 locations A, B, D, E, F and MC391 location C with the TSF Nautilus or similar semisub rig. Shell acquired 100% interest of Blocks MC391 and 392 in October 2007, and serves as operator of both blocks.