Staatsolie began a significant seismic survey on November 20 in the shallow offshore area near Saramacca and Coronie. The project is being carried out in partnership with China’s BGP Offshore and Tomlinson Geophysical Services Inc. (TGS), based in Norway and the United States.
According to a Staatsolie statement on Thursday, the two-month campaign covers approximately 2,000 square kilometers in waters that are between 20 and 50 meters deep. Crews will collect high-quality seismic data to map potential oil and gas deposits and to guide future exploration efforts.
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The company stated that the survey supports Suriname’s Open-Door Offering, launched on November 24, which invites global investors to explore new offshore opportunities. It emphasized that this initiative aligns with its strategy to position Suriname as a competitive energy investment destination.
Staatsolie reported that BGP Offshore and TGS are deploying the vessel BGP Prospector, which will tow eight six-kilometer streamers at a depth of nine meters. Support vessels will accompany the ship to ensure that fishing and commercial boats maintain a safe distance due to limited maneuverability.
The company said the work is being conducted under a multi-client agreement. Staatsolie retains ownership of the data, can utilize it for its own exploration initiatives and will receive a share of the revenue generated from data sales.
According to Staatsolie, the project complies with the National Environmental Authority’s guidelines. An approved Marine Mammal Mitigation Plan was developed following consultations with residents and fishermen in Saramacca and Coronie from August to October.
