MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (By Fidencio Casillas and Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 9.Mar.2026, Words: 565) — Australia’s Woodside Energy, in partnership with state-owned Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), confirmed commencement last week of the drilling campaign at the Trion field, located in ultra-deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
This, after the 4 Mar. 2026 kick-off ceremony for the field project which include the presence of Mexico’s Secretariat of Energy (SENER) head Luz Elena González Escobar, the governor of the state of Tamaulipas, Américo Villarreal; the vice president of the Trión project, Stephane Drouaud; Pemex CEO Víctor Rodríguez Padilla; and the Australian ambassador to Mexico, Rachel Moseley, among other local and federal dignitaries.
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Woodside holds a 60% participating interest in Trion and serves as operator, alongside Pemex with 40%.
The start of drilling marks a significant milestone in the development of one of Mexico’s most important offshore energy projects and represents a key advancement toward full field development following the project’s final investment decision (FID) in 2023, Woodside said on 9 Mar. 2026 in an official statement.
Since FID for Trion, engineering, procurement and operational planning activities have progressed in line with the approved development schedule. The project remains on track to achieve first oil in 2028.
Trion is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including direct and indirect employment opportunities and expanded participation for Mexican suppliers. Over the life of the project, Trion is expected to deliver more than $10bn in taxes and royalties to Mexico.
MEXICO: TRION FIELD KICKOFF EVENT [PHOTO JOURNAL]
“The start of the drilling program represents a milestone for the Trion project and for Mexico’s deepwater oil and gas sector. It underscores the strength of our collaboration with Pemex and our shared commitment to delivering this world-class project safely and efficiently,” Woodside acting CEO Liz Westcott said. “Trion is more than a significant resource – it is an opportunity to enhance Mexico’s energy security, build local capability and generate enduring economic value for the country.”
Drilling campaign of 24 subsea wells
The drilling campaign includes the execution of 24 subsea wells which will be connected to the Tláloc floating production unit (FPU), which will have a nameplate capacity of approximately 100,000 barrels per day (b/d).
The development incorporates associated subsea infrastructure and export systems to ensure safe, efficient and reliable operations. Production from Trion will be loaded into the Chalchi floating storage and offloading facility (FSO), which will have a capacity of 950,000 barrels.
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The wells will be drilled by Transocean’s Deepwater Thalassa, supported by supply vessels and logistics services operating from ports in the state of Tamaulipas, strengthening local and regional supply chains.
Importantly, the Deepwater Thalassa arrived in Mexican waters on 5 Mar. 2026.
“The progress we are seeing at Trion reflects the dedication and expertise of our project team and partners who have worked tirelessly to advance this development. From engineering and planning through to drilling execution, the team is safely and systematically moving the project forward,” Woodside cice president Trion Stephane Drouaud said in the statement.
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By Fidencio Casillas reporting from Mexico City with Pietro D. Pitts reporting from Baton Rouge. © 1999-2026 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
