Woodside announces a non-operated oil discovery at the Bandit prospect in the Gulf of America, approximately 125 miles south of the Louisiana coast. The Bandit-1 exploration well, drilled in Green Canyon Block 680 and operated by Occidental, encountered high-quality oil-bearing Miocene sands, with results now under joint review by the well participants. 

Bandit is operated by Occidental with a 45.375% working interest, alongside Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (37.125%) and Woodside Energy (17.5%). 

The co-owners are currently evaluating results to determine next steps. The discovery has the potential for a subsea tieback to an adjacent Occidental-operated facility or other platforms in the nearby area. 

Woodside Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Mark Abbotsford said the Bandit discovery reinforced the ongoing attractiveness of the US Gulf of America as an energy basin. 

“This result highlights the quality of the US Gulf of America and the role it continues to play in delivering secure, reliable energy. Post-well studies are now underway, with co-owners jointly reviewing results. The Bandit-1 discovery also demonstrates the value of disciplined exploration in established basins with clear pathways to commercialisation.

“In support of high grading our Gulf of America portfolio, Woodside was the successful bidder, subject to regulatory approval, on two blocks in the Big Beautiful Gulf (BBG) 2 Oil & Gas Lease Sale held in March 2026. This further builds on the eight leases awarded to Woodside under the BBG1 lease sale held late in 2025.” 

KeyFacts Energy: Woodside Australia country profile