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:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

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 sustained rise in consumption of high-octane gasoline pushes Pertamina to supplement domestic supply with new imported cargoes to stabilise stock levels.
Canadian group CRR acquires a strategic 53-kilometre road network north of Slave Lake from Islander Oil & Gas to support oil development in the Clearwater region.
Kazakhstan’s energy minister dismissed any ongoing talks between the government and Lukoil regarding the potential purchase of its domestic assets, despite earlier comments from a KazMunayGas executive.
OPEC and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum warn that chronic underinvestment could lead to lasting supply tensions in oil and gas, as demand continues to grow.
ShaMaran has shipped a first cargo of crude oil from Ceyhan, marking the implementation of the in-kind payment mechanism established between Baghdad, Erbil, and international oil companies following the partial resumption of exports through the Iraq–Türkiye pipeline.
Norwegian group TGS begins Phase I of its multi-client seismic survey in the Pelotas Basin, covering 21 offshore blocks in southern Brazil, with support from industry funding.
Indonesian group Chandra Asri receives a $750mn tailor-made funding from KKR for the acquisition of the Esso network in Singapore, strengthening its position in the fuel retail sector.
Tethys Petroleum posted a net profit of $1.4mn in Q3 2025, driven by a 33% increase in hydrocarbon sales and rising oil output.
Serbia considers emergency options to avoid the confiscation of Russian stakes in NIS, targeted by US sanctions, as President Vucic pledges a definitive decision within one week.
Enbridge commits $1.4bn to expand capacity on its Mainline network and Flanagan South pipeline, aiming to streamline the flow of Canadian crude to US Midwest and Gulf Coast refineries.
The Peruvian state has tightened its grip on Petroperu with an emergency board reshuffle to secure the Talara refinery, fuel supply and the revival of Amazon oil fields.
Sofia appoints an administrator to manage Lukoil’s Bulgarian assets ahead of upcoming US sanctions, ensuring continued operations at the Balkans’ largest refinery.
The United States rejected Serbia’s proposal to ease sanctions on NIS, conditioning any relief on the complete withdrawal of Russian shareholders.
The International Energy Agency expects a surplus of crude oil by 2026, with supply exceeding global demand by 4 million barrels per day due to increased production within and outside OPEC+.
Cenovus Energy has completed the acquisition of MEG Energy, adding 110,000 barrels per day of production and strengthening its position in Canadian oil sands.
The International Energy Agency’s “Current Policies Scenario” anticipates growing oil demand through 2050, undermining net-zero pathways and intensifying investment uncertainty globally.
Saudi Aramco cuts its official selling price for Arab Light crude in Asia, responding to Brent-Dubai spread pressure and potential impact of US sanctions on Russian oil.
The removal of two Brazilian refiners and Petrobras’ pricing offensive reshuffle spot volumes around Santos and Paranaguá, shifting competition ahead of a planned tax increase in early 2026.
Shell Pipeline has awarded Morrison the construction of an elevated oil metering facility at Fourchon Junction, a strategic project to strengthen crude transport capacity in the Gulf of Mexico.
An arrest warrant has been issued against Timipre Sylva over the alleged diversion of public funds intended for a modular refinery. This new case further undermines governance in Nigeria’s oil sector.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.