Malaysia’s state-owned energy giant Petronas has unlocked more than 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in recoverable resources offshore Suriname following two new discoveries and a successful appraisal campaign, further cementing the South American nation’s status as one of the world’s most promising emerging oil and gas provinces.
The discoveries were made in Block 52, where Petronas recently completed a three-well drilling campaign ahead of a final investment decision (FID) expected later this year on its planned Sloanea development.
The company said the Caiman-1 exploration well encountered multiple oil-bearing Cretaceous sandstone intervals after being drilled in 90 meters of water to a total depth of 5,065 meters. Meanwhile, the Swartzia Aspasia Complex-1 (SAC-1) wildcat, located about eight kilometers east of the Sloanea discovery, intersected gas-bearing sandstone reservoirs. A drillstem test confirmed strong gas deliverability, pointing to high-quality reservoir characteristics.
Petronas also successfully appraised the Roystonea-2 well, which confirmed the lateral extension of oil-bearing reservoirs first identified previously, with testing indicating strong production potential.
The latest campaign gives Petronas an impressive record in Block 52, where all eight wells drilled to date have resulted in discoveries or successful appraisals. The wells include Roselle-1, Sloanea-1, Roystonea-1, Fusaea-1, Sloanea-2, Caiman-1, SAC-1, and Roystonea-2.
“Eight successful wells in Suriname with recoverable resources of more than 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent unlocked reflect the strength of our technical capabilities, disciplined execution and strong partnership in Suriname,” Petronas Chief Operating Officer Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab said.
The company plans to develop the Sloanea gas discovery through an integrated floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project, with a final investment decision expected before year-end.
Petronas operates Block 52 with an 80% interest alongside Suriname’s state-owned energy company Staatsolie, which holds the remaining 20% stake. Beyond Block 52, the Malaysian company also holds interests in seven additional offshore exploration blocks, underscoring its long-term commitment to Suriname’s rapidly expanding offshore energy sector.