Adrian Cook, CEO of Carnarvon
Australia’s Dorado oilfield set for 2026 startup
The field is one of more than 100 potential prospects in the Bedout basin, says Carnarvon CEO Adrian Cook
The Dorado oilfield in Western Australia’s (WA’s) Bedout basin is on track for FID this year and first production in early 2026, Adrian Cook, CEO of Australian independent Carnarvon, tells Petroleum Economist. The field will initially produce 75,000-100,000bl/d and would pay back its capital investment within 12 months at current oil prices, he continues. That expected quick return on investment is a major benefit for Dorado. And global concerns about security of fuel supply will also help the development, Cook says. Dorado will use a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, and its crude is likely to go to Singaporean refineries as BP has closed the Kwinana refinery near P
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent
