U.S. Deepwater Production Is Set for a Record High in 2026

The Gulf of America (GoA) has witnessed an outstanding 2025 in terms of startup activity. Three new floating production units (FPU) are set to begin operations by year-end, with the potential to drive the basin’s deepwater output to an all-time high of nearly 2.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in 2026. The year started with a bang when Shell brought its Whale FPU on-line in January, reportedly achieving peak oil production rates of 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) within five months. Private operator Beacon Offshore Energy…