Shell Design and Engineering Practices (DEPs) are a comprehensive set of technical standards developed by Shell to ensure global consistency in the design, construction, and maintenance of its petrochemical plants and upstream facilities
Shell DEP standards represent the pinnacle of industrial engineering rigor. They bridge the gap between broad international codes and the ultra-specific, high-safety requirements of complex process facilities. By anchoring projects in these time-tested design practices, the global engineering community ensures that the infrastructure powering our world operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably. shell dep standards
Unlike international codes (ASME, API, ISO) which offer general best practices, DEPs provide that are often more stringent. They close loopholes left by international standards to align with Shell’s risk tolerance and operational philosophy. Shell Design and Engineering Practices (DEPs) are a
DEPs require vendor documentation (drawings, calculations, quality plans) at specific milestones (e.g., 30%, 90%, Final). Late submission triggers stop-work orders. Unlike international codes (ASME, API, ISO) which offer
When an EPC contractor wins a contract for a Shell project, adherence to the DEPs is legally and technically binding. The implementation lifecycle generally follows these steps:
A DEP is not a single document. A typical project will invoke a "DEP suite"—often 50 to 150 individual DEPs depending on project complexity.