Exxon finds more oil
ExxonMobil Corporation yesterday announced it had made a fifth new oil discovery after drilling the Turbot-1 well offshore Guyana.
Turbot is ExxonMobil’s latest discovery to date in the country, adding to previous finds at Liza, Payara, Snoek and Liza Deep, a release from the company said. Following completion of the Turbot-1 well, the Stena Carron drillship will move to the Ranger prospect. An additional well on the Turbot discovery is being planned for 2018, the release added.
ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. began drilling the Turbot-1 well on Aug. 14, 2017 and encountered a reservoir of 75 feet (23 meters) of highquality, oil-bearing sandstone in the primary objective. The well was drilled to 18,445 feet (5,622 meters) in 5,912 feet (1,802 meters) of water on Sept. 29, 2017. The Turbot-1 well is located in the southeastern portion of the Stabroek Block, approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the southeast of the major Liza phase one project.
“The results from this latest well further illustrate the tremendous potential we see from our exploration activities offshore Guyana,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “ExxonMobil, along with its partners, will continue to further evaluate opportunities on the Stabroek Block.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) yesterday congratulated ExxonMobil and its jointventure partners Hess and CNOOC Nexen for the latest discovery.
“This latest discovery also underscores the need for continued capacity building not only of Government and its agencies but also of the private sector, civil society and individuals to ensure that they contribute to and benefit from the oil and gas sector in an equitable manner.
“The Ministry looks forward to the support of all stakeholders as it puts in place a strong regulatory and fiscal framework to ensure that production of petroleum is carried out in a transparent and accountable manner and in a way that is respectful of our environment, MNR said.
MNR called on the people of the country “to embrace this new reality thrusted upon our beautiful country”.
The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.