Petronas is preparing to drill Caiman-1 in Suriname’s offshore Block 52, a move that could expand exploration into the shallower section of the ‘Golden Lane’, according to global energy magazine GEOExPro. The “Golden Lane” in the Guyana-Suriname Basin refers to a geologically favorable area for oil and gas accumulation. It is a specific trend within the basin known for high potential for hydrocarbon discoveries.
The Malaysian energy company has made three discoveries in Block 52 since 2020 – Sloanea-1, Roystonea-1, and Fusaea-1 – along the Upper Cretaceous Golden Lane.
Roystonea and Fusaea alone are estimated to hold nearly 400 million barrels of recoverable resources. Petronas already kicked off a three-well campaign, Kiskadee-1, Roystonea-2, and Caiman-1, continuing through 2026. Kiskadee-1 and Roystonea-2 are located less than five kilometres (km) south of Roystonea-1 and aim to confirm its extension and test a new closure.
About 500 million boe in Suriname’s Block 52 – Rystad Energy | OilNOW
“Caiman-1 represents a bold step targeting an updip position 25 km south of Roystonea,” the magazine said in a July 25 report. The well is positioned near the legacy West Tapir-1, drilled in 2008 by Noble and Repsol, which did not reach the Cretaceous.
“A success here could open the shallower section of the Golden Lane, expanding Petronas’ exploration potential in the South section of Block 52,” the outlet noted.
To protect its interest in the area, Petronas was recently awarded Block 66, directly north of Block 52.
Industry projections indicate that Suriname could see its first gas project by 2031.
The Malaysian state-controlled company is considering an integrated development using a floating liquefied natural gas solution. Drilling will target Block 52, which spans 4,749 square kilometers north of Suriname’s coast.
In 2020, Petronas made a gas discovery in the block with the Sloanea-1 exploration well. The company drilled the Sloanea-2 appraisal well earlier this year to further assess the find.
About 500 million boe in Suriname’s Block 52 – Rystad Energy | OilNOW
Last November, hydrocarbons were encountered at the Roystonea-1 exploration well in Block 52. Petronas also operates Block 48 with full ownership and holds a 30% non-operating interest in Block 53, where the Baja-1 oil discovery was made in 2022.
