Shell is set to begin drilling up to four exploration wells in Suriname’s offshore Block 65, with the first well, Araku Deep-1, scheduled to spud in the second quarter of 2025, Rystad Energy said. The company is seeking clearance from Suriname’s environmental agency before moving forward.
The Block, awarded in late 2023, is operated by Shell with a 60% interest, while QatarEnergy holds 40%. Shell’s exploration campaign will focus on re-entering the Araku-1 well, originally drilled in 2017. Despite reaching a depth of 2,685 meters, Araku-1 was abandoned when no significant reservoir-quality rocks were found.
“The location of subsequent wells will depend on the results from Araku Deep-1,” said Rystad Energy.
The Block lies at water depths of about 960 meters. Rystad Energy said the new drilling will aim to test deeper sections of the basin that were not fully explored by previous operators, offering Shell and its partners an opportunity to explore unchartered areas north of the established “golden lane” and “silver lane” play fairways.
Shell’s exploration is supported by high-quality 3D seismic data, which will inform future well placements. A successful campaign could de-risk deeper plays in the region.
If a commercial discovery is made, Suriname’s state oil company, Staatsolie, will have the right to acquire up to a 20% stake during the development phase.
Successful Suriname seabed survey by TDI-Brooks yields “potential” hydrocarbon discoveries | OilNOW
Suriname has positioned itself as an emerging oil hotspot, following significant discoveries by TotalEnergies and APA Corporation in neighboring blocks.
