CNOOC sells its Gulf of Mexico oil assets to INEOS Energy

CNOOC Energy Holdings U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, transfers its stakes in the Appomattox and Stampede oil fields to INEOS Energy, marking a strategic reorganization of its global portfolio.

Share:

CNOOC Limited has announced the signing of a Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA) between its U.S.-based subsidiary, CNOOC Energy Holdings U.S.A. Inc., and a subsidiary of INEOS Energy. This transaction involves the sale of CNOOC’s interests in oil and gas projects located in the Gulf of Mexico. The assets include non-operating stakes in the Appomattox and Stampede fields, two major offshore production sites.

According to Mr. Liu Yongjie, Chairman of CNOOC International Ltd., this sale is part of a strategic effort to optimize the company’s global asset portfolio. The transaction reflects the company’s priorities to align its investments with market trends and long-term profitability goals.

A Strategic Repositioning for CNOOC

CNOOC Limited, a global player in oil and gas exploration and production, is focusing on streamlining its assets. With this divestment, the company continues its optimization strategy, prioritizing projects with the best growth and return prospects.

The Appomattox and Stampede fields, while significant for U.S. energy production, were not deemed strategic assets for CNOOC’s future. This repositioning aligns with a broader industry trend, where companies adjust their portfolios to meet market changes and energy transition requirements.

Partnership with INEOS Energy

INEOS Energy, a subsidiary of the British conglomerate INEOS, is pursuing an expansion strategy in the oil and gas sector by acquiring key assets worldwide. This transaction will allow INEOS to expand its presence in North America while strengthening its portfolio of offshore energy assets.

The transfer process will be overseen by both companies to ensure a smooth transition. The SPA will take effect once regulatory approvals are obtained and agreement terms are satisfied.

The rapid commissioning of bp’s Argos Southwest extension in the Gulf of America strengthens maintenance capabilities and optimises offshore oil production performance.
Eight OPEC+ countries boost output by 547,000 barrels per day in September, completing their increase program twelve months early as Chinese demand plateaus.
New Delhi calls US sanctions unjustified and denounces double standard as Trump threatens to substantially increase tariffs.
BP posts a net profit of $1.63 bn in the second quarter 2025, driven by operational performance, an operating cash flow of $6.3 bn and a new $750 mn share buyback programme.
The Saudi oil giant posts solid results despite falling oil prices. The company pays $21.3 billion in dividends and advances its strategic projects.
Dangote Group appoints David Bird, former Shell executive, as head of its Refining and Petrochemicals division to accelerate regional growth and open up equity to Nigerian investors.
Faced with falling discounts on Russian oil, Indian Oil Corp is purchasing large volumes from the United States, Canada and Abu Dhabi for September, shifting its usual sourcing strategy.
Independent Chinese oil companies are intensifying their investments in Iraq, aiming to double their production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2030 and compete with the sector’s historic majors.
The eight voluntary OPEC+ members accelerate their market return in September despite weakened global demand and record production from the Americas.
BP has announced the discovery of an oil and natural gas field off the coast of Brazil, in the Santos Basin, marking its most significant find in a quarter of a century.
The dispute over the Corentyne block licence pits Frontera Energy and CGX Energy against the Guyanese government, amid major contractual and offshore investment stakes in the oil sector.
Chevron resumes the shipment of Venezuelan oil to the United States after a multi-year suspension due to sanctions, highlighting the persistence of oil flows between the two countries.
A fire broke out at a Sotchi oil depot after an attack by Ukrainian drones, causing no casualties but temporarily disrupting air traffic and mobilising significant emergency resources.
The consortium formed by ONGC (40%), Reliance (30%) and BP (30%) has signed a joint operating agreement for block GS-OSHP-2022/2, marking the first tripartite collaboration in Indian oil exploration.
Serbia has secured a new 30-day reprieve from the application of US sanctions targeting NIS, operator of the country’s only refinery, which is majority owned by Gazprom.
OMS Energy Technologies Inc. reports solid financial results for 2025, driven by marked revenue growth, improved gross margin and a reinforced cash position in a shifting market.
Five employees injured in an explosion at the Pascagoula refinery are suing Chevron for negligence, seeking significant compensation and alleging major breaches of safety regulations.
South Korea and Japan are reinforcing coordination on strategic stocks and oil logistics as growing dependence on Gulf imports and geopolitical tensions affect the Asian market.
Sonatrach continues to assess underexploited oil and gas areas with the support of Sinopec, following a gradual strategy to strengthen its position on the regional energy market.
Venezuelan oil group PDVSA is mobilising to restart export operations under conditions similar to previous US licences, as Washington prepares to again authorise its main partners to operate.