Gulf of America: 5 things to look for in 2026
Predictions for the year ahead
1 minute read
James Blackwood
Research Analyst, Upstream
James Blackwood
Research Analyst, Upstream
James joined Wood Mackenzie in 2023 supporting research on the US Gulf of Mexico
View James Blackwood's full profileCaitlin Shaw
Research Director, Upstream Supply Chain
Caitlin Shaw
Research Director, Upstream Supply Chain
Caitlin Shaw is a research director of upstream supply chain.
View Caitlin Shaw's full profileGulf of America (US Gulf of Mexico) deepwater production will set a record at almost 2.5 million boe/d in 2026, but will this peak prove fleeting?
Decisions taken in 2026 will determine whether the deepwater GoA remains on the offense and define the basin's role in global portfolios through the rest of the 2020s.
Powered by Wood Mackenzie Lens Upstream, in this report we share our view on this, and five key themes that we believe will define 2026, including:
- Corporate reshuffling: Majors commit while key basin mainstays prepare exits.
- Acreage opportunities: Two lease sales offer fresh prospects amid compressed timelines. Will operators show up to bid?
- Cost pressures: Can the deepwater services sector withstand macro headwinds?
- And more.