Uruguay oil & gas quest: Prospects appear in one block, as another preps for seismic acquisition

(offshore-energy.biz) As the offshore oil and gas exploration mission continues in Uruguay, the Isle of Man-headquartered oil and gas company Challenger Energy Group (CEG) is moving forward with its plans to make its assets drill-ready. To this end, the firm has confirmed the identification of prospects in one block and the ongoing preparation to embark on a 3D seismic acquisition campaign at another ahead of the anticipated drill or drop decision.

Given the attention the Latin American country has garnered, several offshore exploration license operators in Uruguay are seeking to undertake 3D seismic data acquisition in the next available season in late 2025/early 2026, which includes the planned campaign over AREA OFF-1, where Chevron (60%) is the operator with Challenger (40%) as its partner.

As a result of the interest in offshore hydrocarbon search, the Uruguay Ministry of Environment is conducting public consultations ahead of the issuance of requisite environmental permits, with separate consultations being held for the various seismic vendors wishing to obtain a permit.

According to Challenger, a consultation was held in respect of TGS in February 2025 and Viridian in May, with an additional, final consultation now scheduled for all remaining permit applicants in late July. Thanks to this, the grant of permits is expected to follow in August/September, enabling seismic acquisition on AREA OFF-1 to kick off in Q4 2025.

Read full article: Uruguay oil & gas quest: Prospects appear in one block, as another preps for seismic acquisition – Offshore Energy