Exploration activity offshore Uruguay is moving into a new phase as Sintana Energy and Chevron begin a multi-season seismic programme across the AREA OFF-1 licence. The campaign represents the first major technical step in evaluating the frontier acreage and determining whether the basin could support future drilling activity.
The programme will acquire around 4,300 square kilometres of 3D seismic data across the offshore block. The survey will be carried out by geophysical contractor Viridien using the seismic vessel BGP Prospector. Operations are planned across two seasonal windows in order to manage weather conditions and optimise acquisition across the South Atlantic licence area.
The first phase of the survey is scheduled to run from February through April 2026. A second acquisition season is expected between November 2026 and April 2027. Most of the planned seismic coverage targeting prospective structures is expected to be completed during the initial phase of work.
Fast-track processing of the early data is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, providing the partners with an initial view of subsurface structures across the block. Full processing using pre-stack depth migration techniques is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2027.
Chevron entered the licence through a farm-out agreement that gave the company a 60% operating interest while Sintana Energy retained a 40% stake. Chevron has agreed to fund the seismic programme, allowing Sintana to maintain exposure to the exploration potential of the acreage without committing capital during the current phase.
Sintana Energy Inc (TSX-V:SEI, OTCQX:SEUSF) is a public oil and natural gas exploration company listed on the Toronto Venture Exchange.
