Shell representatives have informally met a few local businesses concerning infrastructure support for its oil and gas exploration intentions in the Great South Basin.
Shell and its three joint-venture partners last year completed shipborne seismic surveys around the Great South Basin and is analysing data and considering environmental, social and cultural impact reports.
A Shell spokeswoman said no decision on a possible test-drilling programme had been made, and as announced in September, the earliest Shell may consider drilling would be the summer of 2014-15.
The Shell staff have been in Dunedin since Monday and leave today.
While having visited Dunedin on several occasions and raising its corporate profile, Shell was unable this week to arrange a media briefing with senior management.
The spokeswoman said Shell was at present "scoping" out requirements for a variety of reports, including social and cultural impacts, and also an environmental impact assessment, which would have to go to the Environmental Protection Authority.
