Woodside’s Trion Drilling Launch Signals Major Milestone for Mexico’s Deepwater Oil Ambitions
Drilling Campaign Begins, Laying Foundation for $10 Billion Economic Impact
Woodside Energy, teamed up with Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), has officially begun drilling operations at the Trion Field in the Gulf of Mexico’s ultra-deep waters. This step marks a turning point in one of Mexico’s largest-ever offshore energy initiatives, firmly advancing the project beyond its 2023 final investment decision. "The start of the drilling program represents a milestone for the Trion Project and for Mexico's deepwater oil and gas sector," commented Woodside’s Acting CEO Liz Westcott.
Project Overview: 24 Wells, 100,000 Barrel Capacity, and New Supply Chain Links
The Trion development centers on drilling 24 subsea wells, which are slated to feed into the Tlloc floating production unit (FPU) with a nameplate capacity of about 100,000 barrels per day. All production will then transfer to the Chalchi floating storage and offloading facility (FSO), which can store up to 950,000 barrels. These advanced facilities will be supported by supply vessels and logistics from Tamaulipas’ ports—building stronger regional supply chains along the way.
| Key Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator Interest | Woodside (60%), PEMEX (40%) |
| Drilling Units | 24 subsea wells |
| Production Unit & Capacity | Tlloc FPU, 100,000 barrels/day |
| Storage Facility | Chalchi FSO, 950,000 barrels |
| First Oil | Targeted for 2028 |
| Projected Taxes & Royalties | Over US$10 billion (lifecycle) |
On Track: Engineering and Operations Progress Steadily Toward 2028 Target
Since the project’s FID last year, engineering, procurement, and operational planning have all moved forward as scheduled. The Deepwater Thalassa drillship, a critical asset for the campaign, arrived in Mexican waters in early March 2026. The momentum is steady, with Woodside’s Vice President for Trion, Stephane Drouaud, highlighting the “dedication and expertise” moving the development safely and systematically toward the finish line.
Economic Uplift: Local Job Creation and Supplier Opportunities Boost Mexico’s Oil Sector
Beyond energy output, Trion promises to generate broad economic value—creating both direct and indirect employment while widening opportunities for Mexican suppliers. Over the lifespan of Trion, more than $10 billion in total taxes and royalties is expected to benefit Mexico, strengthening both national and regional economies.
Takeaway: Trion Sets New Benchmark for Cross-Border Energy Collaboration
As Woodside and PEMEX drill toward a first-oil date in 2028, Trion stands out as one of the Gulf of Mexico’s most ambitious energy projects. With infrastructure and logistics firmly in place, and substantial fiscal benefits for Mexico ahead, all eyes will be on how this collaboration shapes the country’s role in global oil and gas markets.
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