14/2/2025
The public hearing was held on February 13 at the Chamber of Commerce of Products of the Country of Uruguay, where the service company PGS presented the details of the seismic exploration project it would carry out in Uruguay, in case it is selected by the contracting companies holding the E&P areas (APA, CEG, Chevron, Shell, and YPF).
Representatives from MIEM, DINACEA, PGS, ANCAP, various companies, business chambers, and social organizations interested in learning more about the project participated in the hearing.
On June 20, 2024, PGS and ANCAP signed a multiclient agreement for the acquisition of full-coverage 3D seismic data offshore Uruguay.
This non-exclusive agreement stipulates that all risks and costs incurred during data acquisition are borne by the service company. Additionally, PGS will conduct the 3D seismic survey only if pre-financing is secured.
If carried out, PGS's work will add 3D seismic information in previously unsurveyed areas, which is crucial for identifying and outlining stratigraphic prospects, most of which are of exploratory interest in Uruguay's offshore.
Throughout 2024, PGS (part of the TGS group since July 1, 2024) worked on obtaining environmental authorization for the 3D offshore seismic data acquisition project from DINACEA. This Thursday, another requirement by the ministry was fulfilled, as Resolution No. 117/2025 convened a public hearing to enable citizen participation regarding the project and address any doubts and inquiries.
All hydrocarbon exploration and production projects in Uruguay are subject to national environmental regulations. The Ministry of Environment has developed specific regulations and guidelines for these activities, which all exploration, development, and production operations must adhere to, including environmental authorizations for offshore seismic and exploration well projects, through DINACEA as the competent and enforcement agency. https://www.gub.uy/ministerioambiente/sites/ministerioambiente/
files/documentos/publicaciones/guia_prospeccion_sismica_agosto_2017.pdf
On the other hand, ANCAP requires its contractors and subcontractors to adopt the best practices and technologies in the industry, aligned with these regulations and with the goal of developing sustainable activities. In this regard, ANCAP has developed the Manual for Exploration Operations Offshore Uruguay, a document that includes guidelines, recommendations, and requirements for designing and executing offshore exploration operations to ensure they are safe, environmentally sustainable, and in line with internationally applied practices.
Map of areas with E&P contracts in Uruguay´s offshore
