Releases
Announcements, partnerships, and product updates from Blackwell.
Industry News
Headlines from across the maritime and offshore energy industry.
Valaris Adds $220M to Offshore Drilling Backlog
Valaris added about $220 million in new contracts and extensions, including a two well PETRONAS exploration campaign off Suriname.[1] The Suriname work is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and last up to seven months.[2]
Source: Offshore Engineer
Gulf of Mexico energy infrastructure under threat from looming storm
Shell and Chevron began moving nonessential workers from Gulf offshore facilities ahead of the approaching storm.[8] The National Hurricane Center expects hurricane strength by Thursday and has issued a hurricane watch for part of the northern Gulf Coast.[4]
Source: Reuters
Panama Canal Expands Advance Transit Reservations for 2027 Dry Season
The Panama Canal is extending advance transit reservations to the Panamax locks for the first time, with 288 slots offered for the 2027 dry season.[4] Bidding in November will let eligible operators secure passage months before their voyages.[4]
Source: gCaptain
Sea Lion project on the hunt for new contractors amid Argentine sanction threats
Navitas is taking action to replace two Sea Lion contractors as Argentina pursues sanctions against participants in the offshore oil development.[1][4] The operator currently expects no material adverse project effect, but warns that unsuccessful replacements or further contractor exits could change that assessment.[4]
Source: Offshore Energy
Yinson Production and Eni amplifying African FPSO's gas capacity
Yinson Production and Eni plan to raise the gas export capacity of Ghana's FPSO John Agyekum Kufuor to 355 million standard cubic feet per day.[4] The modification agreement and a four year lease extension add approximately $600 million to Yinson Production's firm contract backlog.[4]
Source: Offshore Energy
LNG Trade Through Hormuz Extends Rebound Despite Shipping Risks
At least three LNG shipments have left the Strait of Hormuz since late last week, extending September's recovery, according to Bloomberg and Kpler tracking.[12] Flows still remain more than 75 percent below levels before the Iran conflict.[12]
Source: Bloomberg
Ocean Breeze Energy will extend the lifespan of the Alpha Ventus wind farm
Ocean Breeze Energy has agreed to buy Germany's 60 MW Alpha Ventus wind farm and plans to keep it operating beyond its intended 20 year life.[2][4] The proposal reverses an earlier dismantling plan, with the acquisition expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.[1]
Source: Inspenet
AD Ports Group completes $835m acquisition of Brazilian terminal operator CLI
AD Ports Group has completed its acquisition of Brazil's CLI at an enterprise value of $835 million, taking operational control of export terminals at Santos and Itaqui.[2] CLI handled 17 million tonnes of agricultural cargo in 2025.[3]
Source: Baird Maritime
Port Congestion Ties Up 12% of Global Global Container Shipping Capacity
C.H. Robinson estimates that port congestion is absorbing roughly 12 percent of global container ship capacity, the highest share in four years.[7] Delays and missed connections are reducing usable space even where the fleet has enough ships.[10]
Source: gCaptain
G7 to Release Up to 100 Million Barrels of Diesel, Crude
The G7 and its partners plan to release up to 100 million barrels of emergency oil and diesel stocks over four months.[7] The programme prioritises diesel and implements earlier commitments, so the full volume should not be treated as an additional release beyond the March plan.[10]
Source: Bloomberg
Golden Energy's PSV Gets Two New Charters
Golden Energy Offshore Services has secured two Energy Swan charters worth about $8.7 million in firm work.[1] An October assignment will precede a planned 290 day charter on the Norwegian Continental Shelf starting in January 2027.[1]
Source: MarineLink
Petrobras makes second oil discovery in Amapá ultra deepwater well
Petrobras has found another oil bearing interval at its Morpho well offshore Amapá, following the first discovery announced in August.[14] Further analysis is needed before the company can establish the size and commercial significance of the finds.[14]
Source: Oilprice.com