ExxonMobil allocated US$935,000 to training, research and development, and scholarships for Trinidad and Tobago nationals during its first contract year on Block TTUD-1.
The funding formed part of US$3.66 million paid directly to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries during the year. President of ExxonMobil Trinidad and Tobago Deepwater Limited Paul Riley disclosed the figures in a July 7, 2026 letter to Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal.
The company also delivered three training programs for ministry officials as part of its workforce development commitments.
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Ministry representatives participated in a rotational three-week offshore program aboard a seismic vessel. The exercise provided direct exposure to seismic acquisition operations.
ExxonMobil later hosted 10 ministry officials in Houston in March for business development and commercial training. The program examined how subsurface resource evaluation, project development, and commercial considerations influence hydrocarbon exploration and development.
Another nine officials traveled to Wyoming in May for field geosciences training. The program combined classroom instruction with field observations at rock outcrops.
“During this first contract year, ExxonMobil provided three significant training opportunities for MEEI officials,” Riley wrote.’
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ExxonMobil is now discussing how payments in the next contract year could have a wider national impact.
“Looking ahead to the next contract year, we are actively engaging with the MEEI to explore opportunities to further increase the impact of future payments,” Riley stated.
The discussions could include support for Trinidad and Tobago’s priority development needs and stronger links between ExxonMobil and national universities.
“There may be potential for these to meet both the nation’s priority needs, as well as foster relationships between ExxonMobil and national universities,” Riley wrote.
ExxonMobil views the training and education initiatives as preparation for potential employment and technical opportunities if exploration on TTUD-1 is successful.
TTUD-1 covers 7,165 square kilometers off Trinidad and Tobago’s east coast and includes acreage in water depths exceeding 2,000 meters. ExxonMobil operates the block, while Anadarko Caribbean Limited, an Occidental Petroleum subsidiary, holds a participating interest following its farm-in.
