Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) reached a critical milestone in its international expansion, announcing the commencement of drilling operations at the Trion field.
Situated in the ultra-deepwater regions of the Gulf of Mexico, the project represents one of the most significant offshore energy developments in Mexico's history.
In collaboration with state-owned partner Petroleos Mexicanos, the Perth-based energy giant has deployed the Deepwater Thalassa—a high-specification rig owned by Transocean—to spearhead the initial phase of the multi-year campaign.
The development plan involves the complex construction of 24 subsea wells, engineered to operate at extreme depths.
The wells will eventually be integrated with the Tlaloc, a massive floating production unit designed with a processing capacity of approximately 100,000 barrels of oil per day.
To manage the anticipated output, Woodside is utilising a floating storage and offloading vessel with a total storage volume of 950,000 barrels.
Logistics and supply chains have already been established across various ports in the state of Tamaulipas to provide round-the-clock support for the offshore fleet.
Since receiving regulatory approval in 2023, Woodside has maintained a 60% operating stake in the venture, steering the project toward a projected "first oil" target in 2028.
Beyond its technical scale, Trion is expected to serve as a substantial economic engine for the region.
Internal forecasts suggest the life of the field will generate upwards of US$10 billion in taxes and royalties for the Mexican government, cementing Woodside's role as a pivotal player in the North American energy landscape.
At the time of reporting, Woodside Energy's share price was $29.78.