Preserving Albania鈥檚 past while building for its future
Preserving cultural heritage is an important part of how we work with local communities in areas where we operate. When Shell was preparing to construct a new exploration well in southern Albania, an archaeological survey led to an impressive discovery.
on July 4, 2023
The rich historical tapestry of the European nation of Albania is well-documented, but well-preserved elements of its past are rare.
So cultural experts were understandably excited when an archaeological survey close to Shell鈥檚 operations near Mount Shpirag unearthed some ancient treasures in remarkably good condition.
The ruins of a chapel more than 1,500 years old were among the discoveries made by a team of archaeologists commissioned to assess the site of a planned exploration well.
鈥淭here are only a few monuments in Albania dating back to the period of the Bulgarian Kingdom in the Middle Ages, and even fewer preserved so well as the chapel in Shpirag,鈥� says Skender Muca, a professor of archaeology with over 50 years of experience, who led the survey team.
Chance finds
In 2019, Shell confirmed the potential of a significant presence of oil in the Shpirag area, meaning more wells would be drilled to assess for future developments.
Before drilling got under way, Shell carried out impact assessments to help guide its activities in the region, including the management of potential impact on cultural heritage in line with internationally recognised practices.
The studies for Shpirag identified known sites to be avoided, but also highlighted the potential for previously unknown examples of cultural heritage to be found during construction or operations. When there is such potential, Shell puts in place a 鈥榗hance find鈥� procedure, which directs staff and contractors in how to respond if there is a discovery.
Professor Muca and his team were on hand to supervise the initial stages of work in the construction of the site for a new well. When the removal of topsoil suggested the presence of archaeological materials, Shell suspended its activity and cordoned off the area to allow the experts to assess the find further.
This led to the discovery of a treasure trove of tokens of Albania鈥檚 past. Along with the 6thcentury chapel ruins, there were remnants of a dwelling dating back to the Hellenistic period.
鈥淚n the ruins of the dwelling we identified objects like the fireplace, a utensil, remnants of a loom, some tiles, and dishes,鈥� says Professor Muca.
Protecting treasures
Following the finds, the archaeologists produced a list of recommendations for Albania鈥檚 National Institute of Monuments of Culture to protect the chapel, perform restoration works and build a path to allow public access to the church site.
For its part, Shell redesigned the well site to better protect it and make it easier to preserve.
The finds near Mount Shpirag were not the first Shell operations to have helped unearth archaeological treasures.
In 2020, ahead of the launch of seismic tests in southern Albania, archaeologists contracted by Shell found a prehistoric cave shelter, open prehistoric settlements, and the remnants of a small religious shrine. Shell was then able to carry out the seismic tests without affecting these discoveries.
