Uruguay’s state-owned energy company and upstream regulator ANCAP has approved a one-year suspension of the initial exploration subperiod for the AREA OFF-1 block offshore Uruguay. The decision effectively extends the subperiod to 23 August 2027.
The suspension was requested by block operator Chevron Mexico Finance LLC, Sucursal Uruguay, under the terms of the AREA OFF-1 licence. According to partner Sintana Energy (Sintana Energy and Chevron are partners in AREA OFF-1, the request reflects the time required to obtain environmental authorisation for the block’s 3D seismic acquisition programme.
Following receipt of the environmental approval in early 2026, the first phase of the survey was completed before the end of April. A second acquisition phase is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The full programme is expected to cover approximately 4,300 km², with processing and interpretation supporting a future decision on whether to drill an exploration well.
AREA OFF-1 covers approximately 14,557 km² in the Punta del Este Basin, around 100–150 km offshore Uruguay, in water depths ranging from approximately 50 to 1,000 metres. Previous technical work identified three material prospects: Teru Teru, Anapero and Lenteja.
Sintana’s announcement also provided an update on the CAN-200 area in Argentina’s North Argentine Basin. Following an expression of interest submitted by Challenger Energy in 2025, Argentina has instructed its National Secretariat of Energy to organise an international public tender for the area. Sintana said it intends to participate in the tender.
