BP Starts Argos Southwest Extension, Boosting US Gulf Output by 20,000 boe/d
Photo Credit: BP
Houston, USA | August 9, 2025 - BP has brought the Argos Southwest Extension online in the US Gulf of America, adding 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) through three new production wells. Delivered seven months ahead of schedule, the project enhances the capacity and longevity of the Argos platform, the centrepiece of BP’s Mad Dog 2 development.
The Argos Southwest Extension is part of BP’s broader Gulf of America strategy, which focuses on high-margin barrels from deepwater assets. By delivering this project well ahead of its planned timeline, BP has demonstrated its ability to execute complex offshore work efficiently, even in challenging environments.
The Argos platform began production in 2023 and has since become a cornerstone of BP’s upstream operations in the region. It has a production capacity of up to 140,000 barrels of oil per day and is designed for a 25-year lifespan. The addition of the Southwest Extension wells not only increases near-term output but also maximises recovery from the Mad Dog field, supporting BP’s commitment to long-term Gulf operations.
BP has made the Gulf of America a strategic hub within its global upstream portfolio, investing in new projects and expansions to sustain production and improve efficiency. In the past three years, the company has delivered 10 major oil and gas projects worldwide, with the Gulf playing a pivotal role. The company approved the Kaskida development, which will become its sixth operated hub in the region.
The early completion of the Argos Southwest Extension underscores BP’s capability to accelerate project timelines while maintaining safety and environmental standards. This efficiency not only enhances returns on investment but also strengthens the Gulf’s role as a reliable energy source for the US and global markets.
As BP continues to expand its Gulf operations, the Argos platform’s upgraded capacity reaffirms the company’s strategic focus on deepwater developments, positioning it to meet demand while maintaining operational resilience in one of the world’s most prolific offshore basins.