Background and Relevance of Harbour Energy
Harbour Energy, a British energy company, has been appointed as the operator of the Zama oil field in Mexico. This significant move marks a pivotal moment for private sector involvement in Mexico’s oil industry, as Zama is the largest oil field discovered by private entities in the country.
Details of the Zama Oil Field
Located in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Zama oil field was first discovered in 2017 by a consortium of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), Grupo Carso, and Talos Energy. The field is estimated to contain 750 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) in recoverable resources.
Transition of Operator Role
Following an agreement among the project partners, Harbour Energy has been designated as the new operator. This decision comes after obtaining formal approval from Mexico’s Secretaría de Energía, signifying a shift in the project’s structure where Pemex relinquishes its role as operator.
Future Plans and Participation
Under Harbour Energy’s management, the planned work will commence in 2026 with activities such as engineering and design (FEED). This step is crucial to reach the Final Investment Decision (FID), which will enable the development and commercial production phase.
Harbour Energy retains a 32.22% stake in Zama, while Pemex holds 50.4%, and Talos Energy Mexico owns 17.35%. The transition agreement allows minor partners and Pemex to appoint key personnel within the project team.
Harbour Energy’s Expanding Presence
In addition to Zama, Harbour Energy also operates the nearby Kan field, estimated to contain 150 million barrels of oil. This strengthens their position in the Southeast Basin.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Harbour Energy? Harbour Energy is a British independent oil and gas exploration and production company.
- What is the Zama oil field? The Zama oil field, discovered in 2017, is Mexico’s largest privately-discovered oil field with an estimated 750 million BOE in recoverable resources.
- Why is Harbour Energy’s appointment significant? This appointment signifies a growing role for private companies in Mexico’s oil sector and marks a transition in the Zama project’s management.
- What are the future plans for the Zama field? Harbour Energy plans to start engineering and design activities in 2026, aiming for the Final Investment Decision to initiate development and commercial production.
- What is Harbour Energy’s stake in Zama? Harbour Energy holds a 32.22% interest in the Zama field, with Pemex owning 50.4% and Talos Energy Mexico holding 17.35%.
