Ecuador’s offshore frontier is rapidly making waves in the exploration sphere, promising significant potential for game-changing discoveries. A robust network of proven petroleum systems, coupled with multiple high-confidence oil seeps and the presence of Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators, echoes the prosperous oil generation seen in neighbouring offshore Peru. With over 26,000 km of 2D seismic data, more than 500 km² of 3D seismic data and thirteen conditioned wells, Ecuador’s data-backed exploration blueprint is a strategic point of focus for forward-thinking endeavours.

 In the quest to unlock Ecuador’s offshore riches, we’ve harnessed post-stack rectified seismic datasets, with standardised metadata and matched time, phase and amplitude, allowing for continuous evaluation across any major interpretation software. Given the seismic evidence and well data, traditional perceptions on forearc basins are being challenged and new hydrocarbon-rich play types are being identified, with hidden depths revealed that hint at thermal maturity models which surpass existing expectations and leading to the discovery of promising hybrid turbidite-contourite deposits. Older wells, once deemed ‘dry,’ now show promising traces of hydrocarbons, unveiling hitherto untapped reserves. As we continue to deepen our understanding and uncover unprecedented prospects, the potential for expansive hydrocarbon discoveries rises.