Harbour Energy and its partners have taken a final investment decision on the Who Dat East development in the US Gulf, marking another step forward in the company’s strategy to grow production through infrastructure-led offshore projects.
The development will be operated by Harbour Energy’s wholly owned subsidiary LLOG Exploration and will consist of a single subsea well tied back to the existing Who Dat floating production system.
First production is expected in the second half of 2028.
Located in Mississippi Canyon Block 509 in approximately 1,300 metres of water, Who Dat East builds on existing infrastructure rather than requiring the construction of an entirely new production facility.
That approach can help reduce the cost and complexity associated with bringing offshore resources into production, while allowing operators to make greater use of established processing and export infrastructure.
Building on Existing Infrastructure
Harbour Energy holds a 40 per cent interest in Who Dat East and operates the project through LLOG Exploration. Karoon USA also holds 40 per cent, with Westlawn Americas Offshore owning the remaining 20 per cent.
For Harbour, the approval fits into a wider pipeline of shorter-cycle developments positioned close to existing infrastructure.
The company has previously highlighted projects of this type as an important part of its investment strategy, alongside larger offshore developments across its international portfolio.
Philip LeJeune, Managing Director of Harbour’s US Gulf business, said Who Dat East demonstrated the quality of the company’s portfolio of high-return, infrastructure-led opportunities and would contribute to production growth when it comes online.
Supporting Future Production Growth
The final investment decision follows a period of expansion for Harbour Energy, which has continued to strengthen its international upstream portfolio.
In its 2026 half-year results, the company identified Who Dat East as one of several infrastructure-led developments progressing towards approval, alongside projects in Norway and the UK.
Harbour currently produces between 475,000 and 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day across a geographically diverse portfolio that includes operations in the UK, Norway, the US, Germany, Argentina and North Africa.
The company has also been pursuing additional growth opportunities in areas including Argentina, Mexico and Norway, while continuing to invest in shorter-cycle developments capable of leveraging existing assets.
Who Dat East therefore represents more than an isolated offshore project. It forms part of a broader strategy focused on converting existing discoveries and resources into new production while maintaining capital discipline.
A Positive Signal for Offshore Investment
Infrastructure-led developments have become increasingly important across the offshore oil and gas sector.
By connecting new discoveries to existing platforms and production systems, operators can potentially reduce development timelines, lower upfront capital requirements and extend the productive life of established offshore hubs.
Who Dat East reflects that model.
Rather than developing a standalone facility, production from the field will be routed back to the existing Who Dat floating production system, allowing Harbour and its partners to make greater use of infrastructure already in place.
The investment also comes as Harbour continues to expand its position in the US Gulf following the acquisition of LLOG Exploration.
For the wider offshore supply chain, new subsea developments can support demand across engineering, subsea equipment, installation, drilling and specialist marine services as projects progress towards first production.
With first production targeted for the second half of 2028, Who Dat East adds another sanctioned development to Harbour Energy’s international portfolio and reinforces the role of infrastructure-led investment in supporting future offshore production growth.