Dennis Delvalle, Lead Service Technician

Describe your work on Shell’s Prelude Project

My work at Shell has so far been varied and most interesting. I have had the chance to be involved in the development of procedures and manuals for the Services Team activities that will be undertaken once the project is operational. My area of focus to date has been lifting and hoisting, working at heights, scaffolding, and offshore load and offload of supply vessels activities.

As part of the Flawless Project Delivery philosophy, I, like all our Prelude team members, play a very important part and have a prime responsibility to ensure work onboard Prelude is carried out as per Shell’s expectations of Goal Zero. With this in mind we participate and intervene when needed during our allocated weekly step changes and quality rounds. This has resulted in two outcomes, by intervening we are not only educating our local contractors, but we are also ensuring no one gets hurt whilst ensuring the quality of the facility.

It is much more cost effective and safer to rectify non-compliant or poor quality while in the shipyard as opposed to doing it when offshore and operational.

What do you enjoy about your current role and what’s the most exciting thing you have been involved in so far?

What I enjoy most about my current role is the recognition, freedom and encouragement I receive to apply learnings from my experience in the Services field to achieve safe future operations. Having a chance to shape operations which directly affect the facility and personnel is a privilege. To be a part of the Shell Prelude FLNG vision of success, feeling it, living it, making tangible contributions is the most exciting thing I have been involved in, in my short time at Shell.

Describe what makes Shell and the Prelude project unique?

Prelude is a world first; it is a pioneering project using new technology and sophisticated ways of processing and producing LNG. History is being made and I am proud to be a part of the Prelude project.

In my humble opinion the thing that makes Shell unique is its culture and the elements of behaviours it focuses on nurturing and growing. Since my first day the Shell culture was evident so much so you could almost touch it. For example, these behaviours are visible in the ‘pride in production’ elements of one team, one family and learn and grow ourselves, and these have been continuously validated long after my onboarding.

Everyone I have so far been involved with demonstrates the desired behaviours with actions. Shell means business when it comes to fostering a positive open, honest, respectful culture which will make our operations a resounding success.

How has Shell supported you professionally and personally?

Shell and my management team have been proactive from the very start, something that pleasantly surprised me, initiating development paths discussion early on. Shell takes people development seriously and the development program philosophy is impressive. Shell treats their employees as their most important asset and this is seen through concrete action.

Why should others apply to work on the Prelude project?

This is the sexiest project in the world, the first facility of its kind worldwide. If you enjoy working as part of a team in a challenging environment that will bring out the best in you, then this is the place to be. We have a remarkable team and one of the best management and leadership teams in the industry who actually listen, care, will support you and allow you to grow as a professional. If you are looking for a long lasting career in the most important project of these times, don’t wait any longer. Apply!

What’s your advice to others applying to Shell and the oil and gas industry?

My advice would be for all those applying to go ahead and apply. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain, a chance to work for a global giant in your own backyard, a real chance at developing yourself professionally all while getting personal satisfaction. Go on, just do it.