Todd claims victory in Maui row

Todd Energy is claiming victory in a long running dispute with Shell (Petroleum Mining) about the operation of the Maui gas field.

Shell had applied to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal decision which effectively maintained the status quo at the field.

Shell had wanted to remove Shell Todd Oil Services (STOS) - in which Shell and Todd each hold 50 per cent - as the Maui operator and replace it with a Shell subsidiary.

Last week the Supreme Court dismissed Shell's application for leave to appeal and made an order for costs of $2500 to Todd Energy.

Yesterday, Todd managing director Richard Tweedie said the uncertainty that Shell's "attempted takeover" had generated for the field owners and for STOS staff was over.

- NZPA