Subsea7’s award of a “supermajor” offshore contract for the Sépia 2 development in Brazil is another indication of the scale and continuity of investment still moving through the country’s pre-salt sector. The contract, awarded by Petrobras following a competitive tender, covers engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation and pre-commissioning of subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines for 17 wells, including two wells from the Sépia 1 project, as well as one gas export line with 18 risers. Subsea7 said project management and engineering will begin immediately from its offices in Rio de Janeiro, Paris and Sutton, with offshore operations scheduled from 2029. According to Subsea7, a “supermajor” contract is worth over $1.25 b
The most useful thing about gas transmission incident data is not simply whether the total number of incidents is rising or falling; it is what the data reveals about the causes of those incidents. The US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) chart on onshore gas transmission pipeline significant incidents, shows that the largest contribution in 2010–2019 came from equipment failure, with smaller but notable contributions from material failure of pipe or wells, other outside-force damage, natural-force damage, incorrect operation, and excavation damage.
Petrobras has confirmed a new hydrocarbon discovery in the deepwater pre-salt of Brazil’s Campos Basin, adding to the steady stream of exploration results that continue to support the country’s offshore outlook. The discovery was made at well 1-BRSA-1404DC-RJS in block C-M-477, located about 201 kilometres offshore Rio de Janeiro in water depth of 2,984 metres. According to Petrobras, hydrocarbons were identified through electric logs, gas shows and fluid sampling, with laboratory analysis still to be completed to determine the characteristics of the reservoir and the fluids encountered.
Chevron is expected to sign agreements to return the Loran gas field to Venezuela and participate in an extra-heavy crude area in the Orinoco belt. Concurrently, Shell is set to sign a pact to take over operations and development of the Loran field.
According to reporting from Reuters, Chevron and Shell are expected to sign several major energy agreements with Venezuela’s oil ministry and state-owned PDVSA. These pacts, which are expected to be finalized in the presence of acting President Delcy Rodriguez, mark a significant expansion of foreign involvement in the country’s energy sector.
Sawgrass LNG & Power has announced the successful completion of the first-ever shore-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, fueling the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel, Ilma.
Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. and the Tax Department have launched a three‑year programme aimed at strengthening the expertise of tax and customs officials in the oil and gas sector. On 10 April 2026, both organisations signed the cooperation document for this programme.
Dr. the Honourable Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, signed agreements to effect amendments to the Production Sharing Contracts for Blocks 2(c) and 3(a) with Perenco Trinidad and Tobago Limited.
Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have agreed to a broad economic and trade agenda aimed at deepening integration and removing commercial barriers between the two energy-rich Caribbean nations, according to a statement from Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Shell is moving to commence natural gas production from the massive Loran-Manatee offshore field, with output now projected to begin as early as next year. National Gas Company (NGC) Chairman Gerald Ramdeen confirmed to Reuters that the project, which straddles the maritime border between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, has seen significant infrastructure upgrades to accommodate higher volumes.
In the ad hoc meeting of the Oil Coordination Group held recently, representatives from the European Commission, EU countries and industry provided updated information on the EU’s oil security of supply situation, as the disruptions in the Middle East enter their sixth week.
Subsea7 has announced the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between PETRONAS Suriname E&P B.V. (PETRONAS Suriname), a subsidiary of PETRONAS and Subsea Integration Alliance (SIA), which comprises Subsea7 and SLB OneSubsea. The agreement creates a long-term framework for close collaboration on field development projects in Suriname.
Halliburton has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with PETRONAS Suriname Exploration & Production BV (PETRONAS Suriname) and Valaris to support the development of PETRONAS Suriname’s local assets. This effort brings together Halliburton, PETRONAS Suriname, and Valaris early in the development lifecycle to foster close alignment from planning through execution. The collaboration reflects a unified focus on stronger project readiness, improved execution performance, and long-term value creation.
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is beginning to show up not only in energy prices but also in physical commodity flows, and that could carry mixed implications for Trinidad and Tobago. While crude oil flows have drawn the most attention, the disruption is also affecting other commodities moving through the Gulf, including LNG and fertilizer-related products.
Touchstone Exploration is making a bigger play in Trinidad and Tobago’s onshore energy sector, and the company’s next phase of growth is beginning to look increasingly significant for the wider market. After years of steadily building acreage, infrastructure and production, the Canadian operator is now targeting output of about 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up from current production of roughly 5,500 boe/d. This goal comes at a time when Trinidad and Tobago continues to look for dependable upstream supply and practical, near-term production growth. In that setting, Touchstone’s onshore push is shaping up as one of the more interesting developments in the country’s energy landscape.
Shell described its Community Upskilling Programme as one anchored in this principle: a resilient energy sector depends on a skilled, adaptable local workforce. By prioritising training opportunities within its fenceline communities in the East Coast Marine Area (ECMA), the company said it is supporting the development of practical, job-ready competencies that are directly transferable across upstream, downstream and adjacent energy and industrial operations.
Trinidad and Tobago’s natural gas sector could receive a meaningful boost from 2027 as regional cooperation gains momentum and a new wave of upstream projects led by bp and Shell moves towards first gas. These developments are expected to provide welcome relief to the downstream sector and improve feedgas availability for LNG operations. While they may not fully close the country’s supply gap, they create a stronger platform for growth and reinforce the importance of cross-border gas as part of a longer-term solution.
Reuters has reported that Shell is in advanced negotiations with the Venezuelan government to expand its footprint in the country, targeting four major natural gas areas near the maritime border with Trinidad and Tobago.
The United States government, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Venezuela Sanctions. In response to question 1247, “Do non-U.S. persons face sanctions risk for engaging in transactions authorized by General Licenses (GL) 46B, 51A, and 52?” the office indicated that they do not.
The Carapal Ridge 3 well was successfully tied into Touchstone Exploration’s Central block natural gas facility and brought onstream. According to the company, the well is currently flowing natural gas and condensate as it continues to recover drilling and completion fluids.
SBM Offshore has announced that it has been awarded contracts by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, to perform Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) studies for a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) for the Longtail development project in Guyana.
