Page 18: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Nov/Dec 2025)

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U.S. OFFSHORE ENERGY 2026 OUTLOOK

Building Momentum in the Gulf of America

By Erik Milito, President, National Ocean Industries Association he Gulf of America is back and the momentum ning 20 to 30 years. Predictable leasing allows companies is unmistakable. After two years without fed- to plan strategically, invest in technology and infrastructure, eral lease sales, the December 10, 2025, Gulf of and maintain the highly skilled workforce that has kept the

America lease sale, Big Beautiful Gulf 1, marks a Gulf among the world’s most productive offshore basins.

T turning point for the U.S. offshore energy sector. With $300 The Gulf of America is not just a source of energy; it is million in winning bids and companies spending an average a strategic platform for U.S. energy leadership. Its world- of $1.6 million per lease block, up from $1.2 million per class reserves, advanced subsea and offshore technology, and block in the December 2023 sale, America’s offshore indus- deepwater engineering expertise uniquely position it to de- try is signaling its readiness to invest, innovate, and grow. liver secure, lower-carbon energy to the U.S. and its allies.

This sale is more than a one-off event; it represents a re- Gulf-produced oil has a carbon intensity 46% lower than start of the predictable leasing cadence that previously deliv- the global average, displacing higher-emission imports while ered two Gulf of America lease sales per year. Restoring this supporting energy security and environmental stewardship.

rhythm is essential. Offshore oil and gas projects are com- Beyond oil and gas, the Gulf anchors emerging energy plex, multi-billion-dollar undertakings with timelines span- sectors. Offshore wind, carbon capture, subsea minerals, 18 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM