The proposed Longtail project is set to become the first development in the Stabroek Block dedicated to gas and condensate production offshore Guyana, a shift from earlier projects that have focused primarily on oil.
Unlike existing developments, Longtail is designed to produce non-associated gas, meaning gas will be extracted independently rather than as a by-product of oil production. ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, operator of the Stabroek Block, is advancing the project as part of its broader development program offshore Guyana.
A final investment decision is targeted for the end of 2026. The project is anticipated to have an operating life of approximately 30 years.
Production from Longtail is projected at between 1 and 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day, alongside 250,000 to 290,000 barrels of condensate daily. During the early stages of production, most of the gas will be reinjected to maintain reservoir pressure and maximise condensate recovery. Volumes available for domestic use are expected to increase over time as demand grows and infrastructure expands.
Here’s everything you need to know about ExxonMobil’s proposed Longtail development | OilNOW
The development will draw on the Longtail, Tripletail and Turbot discoveries made between 2017 and 2019. Together, these reservoirs contain several trillion cubic feet of gas, with roughly one trillion cubic feet expected to be produced over the life of the project.
Plans call for between 24 and 60 subsea wells, supported by manifolds and production trees, all tied back to a dedicated floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The FPSO is expected to be the largest gas-handling facility in the Stabroek Block, featuring gas recycling instead of water injection and significantly higher gas compression capacity than existing units. Condensate storage capacity is expected to reach up to two million barrels, with frequent offloading.
Longtail is also expected to integrate with Guyana’s existing and planned gas infrastructure, including the Gas-to-Energy pipeline system, as onshore capacity continues to expand. The total estimated cost of the project is approximately US$12.5 billion.
If approved, Longtail would become ExxonMobil’s eighth development in the Stabroek Block. The project would be developed under the existing partnership, with ExxonMobil holding a 45% stake, Hess 30%, and CNOOC 25%.
