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
28 January 2026
The alliance looks to bolster market management credibility by bringing greater clarity and unity to output cuts and producer capacity later in 2026
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
