Ancap awards more blocks
International firms compete for Uruguayan blocks
The country’s frontier upstream continues to attract interest
Uruguayan regulator Ancap awarded two more offshore blocks at the end of 2022. A consortium comprising Shell and US independent APA (formerly Apache) secured the OFF-4 block, ahead of a bid from YPF—although the Argentine NOC did secure OFF-5. The Shell-APA joint venture has committed to carrying out extensive work on OFF-4, including 3D seismic acquisition, within its initial four-year exploration licence period. Similarly, YPF has four years to carry out a technical work programme on OFF-5. 6 – Blocks awarded in 2022 Earlier in 2022, AIM-listed independent Challenger was awarded OFF-1—which is adjacent to the OFF-4 block—while Shell took blocks OFF-2 and OFF-7, and APA secured OFF-
Also in this section
29 July 2025
The EU’s Russia sanctions could have far-reaching implications for India’s Vadinar-based refinery
29 July 2025
There is a good strategic case for China to sign a deal for gas supplies via the proposed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, but Beijing’s concerns over over-dependency on a single supplier and desire to drive down the price make it relatively unlikely that a contract will be finalised this year.
29 July 2025
EU industry and politicians are pushing back against the bloc’s green agenda. Meanwhile, Brussels’ transatlantic trade deal with Washington could consolidate US energy dominance.
25 July 2025
KRG, Iraq’s central government and Turkey are all working to get exports flowing from the key port, but complications remain
