Guyana’s consideration of a national oil and gas data repository could improve how seismic and drilling information is managed as offshore exploration expands beyond the Stabroek Block.
The Guyana government first signaled plans for a petroleum data repository in 2023, as much of the country’s petroleum data is currently stored overseas.
Petroleum data repositories are centralized systems used to collect, store, and organize seismic surveys, well logs, drilling records, and geological interpretations. They allow governments and companies to access historical subsurface information before new exploration begins.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, disclosed during the presentation of Budget 2026 on January 26, said that the platform would strengthen data management, improve exploration readiness, and position Guyana for future licensing rounds.
“The Government is currently engaging two seismic acquisition companies to conduct our first Government-led multi-client 3D seismic survey across unlicensed and licensed acreages offshore. This will facilitate the establishment of Guyana’s Petroleum Data Repository and will see storage and management of our data locally,” the Minister said.
He added that “the improved seismic coverage and new PSAs will place Guyana in a stronger position to host additional licensing rounds. Government intends to prepare for future international auctions once the new seismic data becomes available, ensuring that they are more competitive and supported by higher-quality subsurface information”.
3D Seismic Survey data to support creation of Guyana’s first Petroleum Data Repository | OilNOW
The repository plans would fall under Guyana’s petroleum management framework and align with the Petroleum Activities Act 2021, which governs petroleum data reporting, storage, and regulatory oversight. Under the legislation, companies conducting petroleum operations are required to submit geological, geophysical, and drilling data to the state.
Other oil-producing countries already operate similar systems. Norway’s Norwegian Offshore Directorate manages a national data center that stores geological and seismic information from offshore operations. The United Kingdom’s North Sea Transition Authority also operates a National Data Repository that centralizes exploration and production data to support licensing decisions. Mexico’s National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH), in its 2022 upstream data management report, identified digital subsurface repositories as tools for supporting offshore investment.
For Guyana, structured access to seismic interpretation and drilling results could become more important as exploration moves into frontier offshore areas where geological information remains limited compared to producing sections of the basin.
Guyana moves to de-risk unexplored basin with 25,000 sq km 3D seismic survey | OilNOW
Guyana, the world’s largest per capita oil producer, focused its first licensing round on balancing investor interest with tighter fiscal and other terms. All current production comes from the Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil, along with Hess and CNOOC as co-venturers.
