bp starts up Argos expansion project in the Gulf of Mexico

The project adds 20 000 boe/d of gross peak annualised average production at the existing Argos platform. Argos, which began production in 2023, is bp’s fifth operated production platform in the Gulf of Mexico with a gross production capacity of up to 140 000 bpd.

“The Argos expansion underpins our commitment to investing in America, growing our US offshore energy production safely and efficiently,” said Andy Krieger, bp’s senior vice president for the Gulf of America and Canada. “This project also kicks off a period of significant growth for bp in the Gulf of America, which will continue to play a critical role in delivering secure and reliable energy the world needs today and tomorrow.”

The Argos Southwest Extension project will add three wells and include a new drill centre roughly 5 miles southwest of Argos. The subsea tieback, which connects new wells to existing offshore production facilities through pipelines, will extend the footprint of the Mad Dog field discovered in 1998.

“The Argos expansion underpins our commitment to investing in America, growing our US offshore energy production safely and efficiently.” said Andy Krieger, SVP Gulf of America and Canada.

bp successfully delivered the Argos Southwest Extension project seven months ahead of schedule by implementing concurrent workstreams, optimising project management and engaging in early procurement. From the completion of the appraisal well in May 2023 to first oil, the project reached startup in approximately 25 months – setting a record for bp.

“Argos’ expansion project demonstrates how bp can swiftly bring new barrels to market safely and efficiently,” said Gordon Birrell, bp’s executive vice president of production and operations. “Our ability to move from resource discovery to first oil at record pace underscores our relentless pursuit to grow shareholder value.”

Argos Southwest Extension is one of 10 major project startups bp plans to deliver globally by 2027, as part of the strategy to grow its upstream business and long-term shareholder value.

It is also the first of three major expansions and new build projects in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico that will enable bp to boost its capacity to produce around 400 000 boe/d from the US offshore region by the end of this decade.

“Argos’ expansion project demonstrates how bp can swiftly bring new barrels to market safely and efficiently. Our ability to move from resource discovery to first oil at record pace underscores our relentless pursuit to grow shareholder value.” said Gordon Birrell, EVP production and operations.

Following Argos Southwest Extension, bp plans to deliver two additional expansion projects in the Gulf of America by 2027:

• Atlantis Drill Center 1 Expansion, which will add around 15 000 boe/d of gross peak production, is expected to start up in 2026.
• Atlantis Major Facility Expansion, which will further increase production from the Atlantis field using existing infrastructure, is expected to start up in 2027.

Beyond expanding existing production hubs, bp is investing in Kaskida, its sixth platform in the Gulf of America that represents bp’s first step toward unlocking 10 billion bbls of discovered resources in the Paleogene, an oil-rich geological area about 250 miles southwest of New Orleans. Kaskida, which will have a production capacity of 80 000 bpd, is expected to start up in 2029.

bp also is working toward reaching a final investment decision on its Tiber-Guadalupe project in 2025.

bp is Argos’ operator with 60.5% working interest. Co-owners include Woodside Energy (23.9%) and Union Oil Co. of California, an affiliate of Chevron US Inc. (15.6%).

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