Insight
The Majors’ exploration reload
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
All seven of the largest international oil companies have shifted their exploration strategies into overdrive. Since 2021, the Majors have captured over 2,200 blocks spanning 1.9 million km² of gross acreage. Annual net acreage captured has increased tenfold, hitting a record in the first eight months of 2026 alone. Africa accounts for 56% of all acreage captured, ultra-deepwater now represents 73% of new positions, and 88% of acreage has been taken as operator. Chevron and ExxonMobil lead the cumulative rankings.
Table of contents
- No table of contents specified
Tables and charts
No table or charts specified
What's included
This report contains:
Other reports you may be interested in
Insight
Global Upstream Update: September 2026
Key themes: novel resource capture strategies, growth opportunities but with caveats, and tougher expansion challenges reveal themselves.
$1,350
Insight
Russia and Caspian upstream in brief
Rolling coverage of the most important events affecting the upstream industry in Russia, Central Asia and Caucasus.
$1,350
Asset Report
Canada (East Coast) Scotian Shelf exploration basin
The Scotian Shelf exploration basin off Canada's East Coast includes a frontier deepwater sector. We provide deepwater prospect economics.
$2,800
