Surveys have officially begun for the Dragon Gas Project as the Dona Jose 2 vessel embarked on a geophysical and geotechnical study at Tembladora Port, Chaguaramas. The vessel, chartered by Geohidra—a Venezuelan company contracted by Shell—will gather data from the Dragon Field to the Shell-operated Hibiscus platform off Trinidad and Tobago’s North Coast.
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According to Trinidad’s Energy Ministry, this is the first physical work by Shell on the Dragon Field. The subsea surveys will collect technical data using side-scan sonar, multibeam echo sounders, and other advanced technology. This data is key for assessing the status of existing infrastructure and for designing new facilities, including a proposed 22-kilometer pipeline to link the Dragon Field to the Hibiscus platform, pending a final investment decision (FID).
Prime Minister Dr. Keith C. Rowley and Energy Minister Stuart R. Young visited the vessel to mark the project’s progress. Prime Minister Rowley reiterated the government’s commitment to responsible and profitable energy development, stating, “Government policies support the idea of managing the science of climate change and reminded the parties to be clean, safe and profitable.”
the Dona Jose 2 vessel to Trinidad Prime Minister Dr. Keith C. Rowley and Energy Minister Stuart R. Young. (Source: MEEI)
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Minister Young emphasized the potential national impact, noting, “The monetization of the Dragon Gas Field will benefit every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago as the money earned from our energy sector significantly contributes to the maintenance and operation of Trinidad and Tobago’s hospitals, schools, transportation, and utilities.”
The Dragon Gas Project aims to transport gas from Venezuela’s Dragon Field to Trinidad, following Trinidad and Tobago’s acquisition of a 30-year license to explore, produce, and export gas from the field just ten months ago.
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The project is also notable for its collaboration between the National Gas Company, Shell, and other local and international stakeholders from Trinidad and Venezuela. The Ministry said it has already boosted Trinidad and Tobago’s economy by engaging local companies in areas such as port logistics, marine support, hotel services, and more.
Attendees at the site visit included Dr. Joseph Khan, Chairman of National Energy; Verlier Quan-Vie, Vice President Commercial at National Gas Company; Adam Lowmass, Senior Vice President and Country Chair for Shell Trinidad and Tobago; and Elias Nucette, General Manager Venezuela, Shell. This milestone sets the stage for further development of the Dragon Gas Project as Shell gathers critical data to guide future infrastructure plans.
