ExxonMobil is setting measured expectations for its newly awarded ultra-deepwater acreage in Trinidad and Tobago, even as it prepares to launch a seismic campaign in 2026.
John Ardill, ExxonMobil’s Vice President of Exploration, said this week on LinkedIn: “While we cannot promise the Trinidad & Tobago deepwater petroleum system will work like Guyana, we can promise to bring ExxonMobil’s full deepwater subsurface knowledge and technology to test the geology, and if successful, our proven deepwater development capabilities can unlock transformational economic growth, just as we are doing today in Guyana.”
The remarks came as Exxon confirmed that a 3D seismic survey is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026 on the TTUD-1 block, awarded in August. The 7,765 square-kilometre concession, located in the Eastern Tobago Basin in water depths exceeding 2,000 meters, consolidates six acreage areas that previously went unawarded. The production sharing contract marked Exxon’s return to Trinidad after a 22-year absence.
Exxon outlined its timeline at meetings earlier this month with Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal and senior officials of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. Operations Manager Dr. Bram Willemsen stated that preparations over the next six months will include permit applications and geological and geophysical work, with a commitment to accelerate the minimum work program.
Ardill’s comparison to Guyana underlines the stakes. Exxon acquired 3D seismic in Guyana in 2013, drilled the Liza discovery two years later, and achieved first oil in 2019, he explained. Since then, oil output has surged from zero to 685,000 barrels per day (b/d) as of August 2025, with installed capacity set to cross 900,000 b/d by year-end.
“Strong partnerships are built on trust and the ability to deliver on our commitments. This is exactly what the ExxonMobil exploration team is doing in Trinidad & Tobago this week,” Ardill said, referencing the upcoming seismic survey.
For Trinidad, success would provide a badly needed boost. Years of declining gas production have strained the foundations of its economy, which is built on natural gas for power, industry and exports.
