Operators plunge into deepwater Gulf of Mexico on both sides of the border: US Upstream week in brief December 07 2016

Mexico deepwater licensing round closes on a high note, with BHP securing Trion block in partnership with Pemex. In addition, BP sanctions Mad Dog phase II and Mitsui re-enters the region, as Shell sells down its stake in Kaikias. Onshore, Chesapeake finds a PE buyer for its Haynesville position and producers are rushing to lock in $55/bbl oil for 2017 after OPEC announcement last week. We interrogate all these topics in this note. Stories this week include: Mexico's deepwater licensing round closes with great success. Sit. Stay. Sanction! Mad Dog II fetches an FID from BP. Not quite Permania!, but deepwater M&A gains momentum as Shell and Mitsui strike a deal. Private equity tightens its grip on the Haynesville with Indigo Minerals' purchase of Chesapeake acreage. Dakota Access easement denied a short-lived victory? Surge in hedging activity indicated by flattening curve for oil-price futures.