Suriname’s state oil company Staatsolie announced on Wednesday that drilling of the Korikori-1 exploration well at Block 5 will be carried out by the Noble Regina Allen rig, which is expected to arrive in the first half of October.
The operation, led by Chevron Suriname Exploration Limited, is slated to begin this month and will last approximately 90 days.
Staatsolie said the well is located about 78 kilometers offshore in the north-central part of Block 5 at a water depth of roughly 40 meters. Chevron operates the block with a 40% stake, alongside Paradise Oil Company (POC) holding 40% and QatarEnergy 20%. Suriname’s National Environmental Authority (NMA) granted the drilling permit at the end of July 2025.
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The Korikori-1 well aims to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons in the subsurface. Staatsolie said that once drilling and data acquisition are completed, initial indications of the quantity and quality of any hydrocarbons encountered can be determined.
The Noble Regina Allen rig will be supplied from Surinamese shore base facilities, with fuel and consumables sourced locally. Crew changes will be managed via flights from Paramaribo, a move Staatsolie highlighted as strengthening local content participation by creating opportunities for Surinamese entrepreneurs and service providers in the offshore oil and gas sector.
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Block 5 lies in the western part of Suriname’s shallow offshore area within the Suriname-Guyana Basin, covering approximately 2,200 square kilometers. It sits 45 to 82 kilometers offshore the Nickerie district in water depths ranging between 30 and 60 meters.
