The Shell-operated Appomattox floating production system in the deepwater US Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater expansion, part 1: High pressure, high rewards
Majors in the region are pushing boundaries and could see significant upside, but longer-term risks remain
The startup of Chevron’s Anchor project represents a technological breakthrough in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM), unlocking a new production region thanks to equipment designed to handle higher pressures than before. However, while technology is helping offshore operators boost GOM production, there is concern over the possibility of a slowdown in new projects being sanctioned over the longer term. Chevron announced it had brought Anchor online in mid-August, marking the introduction of technology rated to operate at pressures of up to 20,000psi. Anchor is targeting high-pressure reservoirs at depths of up to 34,000ft below sea level and has a production capacity of 75,000b/d of oil and
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
