ExxonMobil has started drilling the Hamlet-1 exploration well in the southeastern section of Guyana’s Stabroek Block. This area near the Suriname border has yielded more natural gas than oil in previous discoveries.
The Guyanese government is prioritizing the development of its gas reserves, which are currently estimated at 17 trillion cubic feet.
ExxonMobil has completed its appraisal of the area before moving forward with exploration.
A June 14 notice from the Maritime Administration Department confirmed that the Stena Carron drillship is conducting the operation. Drilling is expected to conclude around August 31, 2025.
The Hamlet-1 well site lies approximately 104.4 nautical miles (193.4 kilometers) offshore and spans 0.29 square nautical miles (1 square kilometer).
Exxon has added three oil developments, which are producing over 600,000 barrels per day (b/d). It has a line of sight to add four more projects, which could end up producing 1.5 million b/d by 2029.
