Sintana Energy extends Uruguay offshore timeline and advances Argentina permit bid
Canada-headquartered Sintana Energy has secured a one-year extension for its Chevron-operated offshore block in Uruguay while advancing a new hydrocarbon permit tender in Argentina, providing the company with additional time to gather essential seismic data.
Sintana Energy has secured a one-year extension for its offshore exploration block in Uruguay while advancing a hydrocarbon permit bid in neighboring Argentina. The regulatory approvals provide the Canada-headquartered explorer with additional time to gather essential seismic data and expand its operations in the region.
In Uruguay, the National Administration of Fuels, Alcohol and Portland Cement, known as ANCAP, agreed to suspend the initial exploration subperiod for the AREA OFF-1 block. The subperiod will now expire on August 23, 2027, extending the original timeline by twelve months.
Block operator Chevron requested the delay to accommodate the extended timeline required for the environmental authorization of a 3D seismic acquisition campaign. Sintana holds a 40 percent working interest in the block, while Chevron retains the remaining 60 percent stake as the operator.
Environmental clearance for the campaign was obtained in early 2026, allowing the first season of seismic acquisition to conclude before the end of April. A second acquisition season is currently scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The acquisition, processing, and interpretation of all planned 3D seismic data over the block are considered essential. This comprehensive dataset is necessary to make an optimal exploration well drilling decision before the revised 2027 deadline.
Beyond the Chevron-operated joint venture, Sintana is also focused on Uruguay’s hydrocarbon potential through its 100 percent operated AREA OFF-3 block. This dual-asset position gives the company a substantial presence in the country's offshore exploration efforts.
Meanwhile, the Argentine government published Decree 590/2026 in the Official Gazette on July 15, 2026. The decree instructs the National Secretariat of Energy to call for an international public tender based on a prior expression of interest.
Challenger Energy Group, a member of the Sintana group of companies, submitted that expression of interest on February 14, 2025. The submission targeted an offshore hydrocarbon exploration permit in the North Argentine Basin, specifically the CAN-200 area under national jurisdiction.
The publication of the decree serves as a necessary precursor to the potential award of the permit. “Challenger will proceed to participate in this process, in compliance with the provisions and timelines established by the Argentine law and authorities, and further updates will be provided as appropriate,” Sintana emphasized.
The parallel regulatory progress in both nations underscores the company's strategic focus on Latin American assets. Securing the Uruguayan extension and advancing the Argentine tender process positions Sintana to evaluate offshore blocks across two distinct jurisdictions.
