Ranking the giants: Largest oil discoveries in Guyana’s Stabroek Block after Liza

Since ExxonMobil’s historic Liza discovery in 2015, the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana has yielded a string of world-class oil finds. While Liza remains the biggest discovery to date, several subsequent wells have encountered major oil-bearing reservoirs.

Liza was the biggest, best prospect in a basin with zero discoveries…next target was a dry hole | OilNOW 

Here is a ranking of the top discoveries after Liza, based on the thickness of high-quality oil or hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs encountered:

• Tilapia-1 – 305 feet (93 meters)

Announced in February 2019, this well hit the thickest sandstone reservoir after Liza.

• Lau Lau-1 – 315 feet (96 meters)

Found in January 2022, it ranks second with a large hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone section.

• Sailfin-1 – 312 feet (95 meters)

Announced in October 2022, it encountered another substantial hydrocarbon-bearing zone.

• Yellowtail-1 – 292 feet (89 meters)

Reported in April 2019, it nearly matches Liza’s size with high-quality oil pay.

• Longtail-1 – 256 feet (78 meters)

Announced in June 2018, it’s one of the earliest large finds after Payara.

• Whiptail-1 – 246 feet (75 meters)

Discovered in July 2021, it ranks among the largest for net oil pay.

• Cataback-1 – 243 feet (74 meters)

Found in October 2021, this well continued the strong trend of 2021 finds.

• Ranger-1 – 230 feet (70 meters)

The January 2018 discovery broke new ground in carbonate reservoirs.

• Longtail-3 – 230 feet (70 meters)

Announced in June 2021, it extended the original Longtail reservoir.

• Redtail-1 – 232 feet (70 meters)

Reported in September 2020, it added to Exxon’s growing confidence in the area.

• Barreleye-1 – 230 feet (70 meters)

Found in April 2022, this well added to the prolific April streak.

• Fangtooth SE-1 – 200 feet

Encountered approximately 200 feet of oil-bearing sandstone in a follow-up to Fangtooth.

• Hammerhead-1 – 197 feet (60 meters)

Announced in August 2018, it was a critical early success.

• Bluefin – 197 feet (60 meters)

Found in 2022, it sits southeast of the Sailfin discovery.

• Haimara-1 – 207 feet (63 meters)

This February 2019 find was significant for its gas-condensate content.

These discoveries reflect the exceptional potential of Guyana’s offshore basin. Each has added to the country’s resource base, currently at 11.6 billion barrels, with many supporting future development projects. As drilling continues, more rankings may change, but Liza remains the benchmark.