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.

Canadian producer Saturn Oil & Gas exceeded its production forecast in the third quarter of 2025, driven by a targeted investment strategy, debt reduction and a disciplined shareholder return policy.
Aker Solutions has secured a five-year brownfield maintenance contract extension with ExxonMobil Canada, reinforcing its presence on the East Coast and workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador.
With average oil production of 503,750 barrels per day, Diamondback Energy strengthens its profitability and continues its share buyback and strategic asset divestment programme.
International Petroleum Corporation exceeded its operational targets in the third quarter, strengthened its financial position and brought forward production from its Blackrod project in Canada.
Norwegian firm DNO increases its stake in the developing Verdande field by offloading non-core assets to Aker BP in a cash-free transaction.
TAG Oil extends the BED-1 evaluation period until October 2028, committing to drill two new wells before deciding on full-scale development of the Abu Roash F reservoir.
Expro delivered its new on-site fluid analysis service for a major oil operator in Cyprus, cutting turnaround times from several months to just hours during an exploration drilling campaign in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Sinopec finalised supply agreements worth $40.9bn with 34 foreign companies at the 2025 China International Import Expo, reinforcing its position in the global petroleum and chemical trade.
Commodities trader Gunvor confirmed that the assets acquired from Lukoil will not return under Russian control, despite potential sanction relief, amid growing regulatory pressure.
Esso France shareholders, mostly controlled by ExxonMobil, approved the sale to Canadian group North Atlantic and a €774mn special dividend set for payment on 12 November.
Marathon Petroleum missed its adjusted profit forecast for Q3 due to a significant rise in maintenance costs, despite stronger refining margins, sending its shares down more than 7% in pre-market trading.
TotalEnergies anticipates a continued increase in global oil demand until 2040, followed by a gradual decline, due to political challenges and energy security concerns slowing efforts to cut emissions.
Sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the U.K. are paralyzing Lukoil's operations in Iraq, Finland, and Switzerland, putting its foreign businesses and local partners at risk.
Texas-based Sunoco has completed the acquisition of Canadian company Parkland Corporation, paving the way for a New York Stock Exchange listing through SunocoCorp starting November 6.
BP sells non-controlling stakes in its Permian and Eagle Ford midstream infrastructure to Sixth Street for $1.5 billion while retaining operational control.
Angola enters exclusive negotiations with Shell for the development of offshore blocks 19, 34, and 35, a strategic initiative aimed at stabilizing its oil production around one million barrels per day.
Faced with declining production, Chad is betting on an ambitious strategy to double its oil output by 2030, relying on public investments in infrastructure and sector governance.
The SANAD drilling joint venture will resume operations with two suspended rigs, expected to restart in March and June 2026, with contract extensions equal to the suspension period.
Dragon Oil, a subsidiary of Emirates National Oil Company, partners with PETRONAS to enhance technical and commercial cooperation in oil and gas exploration and production.
Canadian Natural Resources has finalized a strategic asset swap with Shell, gaining 100% ownership of the Albian mines and enhancing its capabilities in oil sands without any cash payment.

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.