Upstream oil and gas news

Upstream focuses on the first stage of the energy value chain, where exploration, drilling and production define the development of hydrocarbon resources. This section covers news on field discoveries, drilling campaigns, production projects, reservoir activity and the technical and financial decisions shaping upstream operations.

Coverage includes new exploration programs, offshore and onshore developments, production expansion, investment announcements and technological advances aimed at improving efficiency, recovery and operational performance. It also highlights regulatory frameworks, partnerships and strategic moves influencing resource development in key regions.

Through these stories, Upstream tracks the assets, operators and production initiatives shaping the supply base of the global oil and gas industry.

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Upstream

California and the Gulf of Mexico Curb New Offshore Drilling Plans

Ruth Arteaga · October 12, 2026

Restrictions in California and a military protection proposal in the Gulf of Mexico pose new challenges to U.S. oil expansion.

Upstream

Rockhopper secures 35% of a second FPSO for Sea Lion

Ruth Arteaga · October 10, 2026

Rockhopper will invest US$44 million to acquire a 35% stake in a second FPSO for the Sea Lion oil development.

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Sea Lion seeks new contractors amid pressure from Argentina

Marcos Medina · October 10, 2026

Navitas and Rockhopper are looking to replace two contractors while maintaining the drilling and production schedule for the Sea Lion project.

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SLB Opens 21,000-Barrel Fluids Plant in Mozambique

Ruth Arteaga · October 9, 2026

SLB expands its infrastructure in Pemba with a plant designed to supply drilling and completion fluids for offshore operations.

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Progeco wins contract for the Greater PAJ offshore project in Angola

Moises Carrasquero · October 9, 2026

Progeco will manage engineering and technical supervision services on Azule Energy's Greater PAJ offshore project, whose first oil is expected in 2029.

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Petrobras awards Oceânica a US$70.5 million submarine contract

Marcos Medina · October 9, 2026

Oceânica expands its order book to $2.05 billion after receiving a new contract from Petrobras for subsea services in Brazil.

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Valeura Energy accelerates construction of the Wassana field in Thailand

Marcos Medina · October 9, 2026

Valeura Energy is bringing forward the opening of the Wassana offshore facilities by two months and expects to add 430,000 barrels of oil during…

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Hurricane Isaias paralyzes 63% of oil production in the Gulf

Moises Carrasquero · October 9, 2026

Hurricane Isaias causes the suspension of crude oil and natural gas production and the evacuation of platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

Upstream

Shell and Chevron halt production in the Gulf due to Tropical Storm Isaias

Marcos Medina · October 8, 2026

Shell and Chevron are suspending oil operations and evacuating personnel ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias, which threatens production in the Gulf of Mexico.