Gulf of Mexico production packs a punch

New projects are steadily making progress, but there is still the long-term uncertainty of a permanent federal lease ban

Offshore activity in the Gulf of Mexico is picking up steam despite the uncertainty of a controversial government moratorium on offshore lease sales. Several tie-back projects have achieved first oil and more offshore activity is slated in the coming months.  European major BP completed the tieback of its Manuel project into the Na Kika platform in late June. Production at the platform is expected to increase by 20,100bl oe/d, taking the company’s total Gulf of Mexico output in 2021 to c.300,000bl oe/d.  BP’s Thunder Horse South Phase II project is also scheduled to come online later in the year, adding 50,000bl oe/d at its peak. And the flagship Mad Dog Phase II venture is projected to reac