ExxonMobil is nearing completion of its seismic acquisition program on the TTUD-1 Block offshore Trinidad and Tobago, clearing the way for data processing and a detailed evaluation of the ultra-deepwater acreage.
President of ExxonMobil Trinidad and Tobago Deepwater Limited Paul Riley provided the update in a July 7 letter to Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Dr. Roodal Moonilal. The letter outlined the company’s progress during its first contract year.
“I am pleased to report that the seismic acquisition program is now nearing completion,” Riley stated. “This marks an important milestone in the exploration of TTUD 1 and reflects the significant efforts of all stakeholders involved.”
ExxonMobil committed to begin seismic acquisition within six months of signing the production sharing contract on August 12, 2025. The survey began approximately five months later. Riley credited the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and the Environmental Management Authority for supporting the permitting process.
“The collaborative approach taken by both the MEEI and the EMA throughout the seismic permitting process enabled ExxonMobil to achieve that goal,” he noted.
The company will next process and interpret the seismic data. It will then undertake subsurface evaluation and prospect maturation to identify potential drilling targets.
TTUD-1 covers 7,165 square kilometers off Trinidad and Tobago’s east coast. It combines seven former blocks and lies in water depths exceeding 2,000 meters. ExxonMobil operates the acreage, while Anadarko Caribbean Limited, an Occidental Petroleum subsidiary, holds a 10% participating interest following its farm-in.
“We believe this partnership further strengthens the venture and enhances the technical and operational capabilities available to evaluate the block’s potential,” Riley stated.
ExxonMobil used local companies for permitting, logistics, marine support, fuel supply, accommodation, and other operational services during the seismic campaign.
“These engagements have provided meaningful opportunities for local participation and contributed to the broader objectives of local content development during the exploration phase of the project,” Riley explained.
The company also provided three training opportunities for ministry officials. Personnel joined a rotational three-week offshore training program aboard the seismic vessel to gain direct exposure to acquisition operations.
Ten officials traveled to Houston in March for business development and commercial training. Another nine attended field geosciences training in Wyoming in May, combining classroom instruction with visits to rock outcrops.
TTUD-1 is considered geologically significant because it has been compared with other deepwater petroleum provinces, including the Guyana-Suriname Basin, Ghana’s Tano Basin and Nigeria’s ultra-deepwater areas.
