Jamaica to begin oil and gas exploration

An offshore two-dimensional seismic survey is to be conducted by Tullow Jamaica Limited over the next 30 days to determine Jamaica’s potential for commercial oil and gas.

Tullow, a leader in independent gas and oil exploration and production, is undertaking the 3,000 kilometer (1860 miles) survey as part of the work program outlined in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) the company signed with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica in November 2014.

Exploratory work is to be carried out on the south coast of the island-nation, which has been identified in the past as having good frontier for exploration.

Tullow has contracted the seismic vessel to conduct the exploration and collect the data.

Addressing the media during a tour on Tuesday, January 12, at the Port of Kingston, Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister, Phillip Paulwell, indicated that a number of works valued at US$70 million, is being undertaken by Tullow under contract.

Paulwell further indicated that already, US$10 million worth of work has been done. He also used the opportunity to commend Tullow for meeting with small businesses affiliated with the fishing industry and being sensitive to their concerns.

Following the data acquisition phase of the seismic survey, a data processing period of 6 – 9 months will take place, then data interpretation.

“A decision will then take place as to whether we go to the next phase, which will be a 3-dimensional seismic program, which will be an extensive operation, taking 6 – 9 months to acquire,” said Sustainability External Affairs (SEA) Manager of New Venture Business for Tullow Oil plc, John McKenna.

The Energy Ministry has been working to diversify Jamaica’s energy mix by placing greater emphasis on indigenous sources. Finding the country’s own oil and gas will be a crucial boost to the achievement of the country’s energy independence.

The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica’s Group General Manager, Winston Watson said, “the search for oil and gas is a long-term undertaking but it is encouraging to be at this phase of the Production Sharing Agreement with Tullow, which will help to guide us on the way forward. However, even while we are executing the PSA with Tullow, the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica is still actively seeking additional investors for Jamaica’s remaining blocks,” he said.

Source: Jamaica Information Service