Houston-based Murphy Oil is advancing several exploration and production projects across the Americas, Africa and Asia, with two offshore developments targeting first oil in 2026.
In the Gulf of America, also known as the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Murphy Oil spud the Chinook #8 development well. First oil from the well is targeted for the second half of 2026, with gross initial production expected at 15,000 boepd.
The company also spud Bubale-1X, its third exploration well in Côte d’Ivoire.
In the deepwater U.S. Gulf, Murphy Oil approved development of the Banjo and Cello fields. First production is planned for the fourth quarter of 2027. The fields are in the Mississippi Canyon area, about 10 miles from Murphy Oil’s Delta House floating production system.
In Vietnam, Murphy Oil progressed the Hai Su Vang-3X appraisal well at the Hai Su Vang, or Golden Sea Lion, field. Results from the full appraisal program are expected in the third quarter of 2026. Earlier in 2026, the company announced another successful appraisal of the oil discovery in the Cuu Long Basin offshore Vietnam.
Murphy Cuu Long Tay Oil operates Block 15-2/17, while Murphy Cuu Long Bac Oil operates Block 15-1/05. Each subsidiary holds a 40% working interest in its block. PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation holds 35%, and SK Earthon owns the remaining 25%.
The company is also progressing the Lac Da Vang, or Golden Camel, field development in Block 15-1/05. Construction of the project’s floating storage and offloading vessel in Vietnam has advanced, with the FSO ready for launch and scheduled for delivery to the field in the third quarter of 2026.
Murphy Oil decided to proceed with the Lac Da Vang project in the third quarter of 2023. In December 2024, the company hired PTSC Asia Pacific, a joint venture between Yinson Production and PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation, to provide, charter, operate and maintain the FSO unit.
In September 2025, PTSC Mechanical & Construction completed the load-out of the Lac Da Vang – A platform jacket and piles.
First oil from Lac Da Vang remains scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, while development activities are expected to continue through financial year 2029.
