Shell submits offshore drilling plan for Suriname to environmental approval

BG International, a Shell unit operating in Suriname plans to submit a proposal to the country's environment agency to drill up to four explorations wells offshore Block 65. This was revealed by a document from the company on Tuesday.

Suriname has begun its journey to offshore oil and gas production. An $10.5 billion project between TotalEnergies APA Corp. was approved earlier this year with a goal of starting production in 2028.

BG International, Qatar Energy and the state energy company Staatsolie won the rights to explore this area. The bidding process was organized last year by Staatsolie and allocated three deepwater blocks in the northeastern area of Suriname’s offshore area to oil and natural gas companies.

Tullow Oil made a non-commercial discovery of gas in 2017, in the area formerly known as Block 54. This was before it relinquished its license.

The company stated in a document for public consultation that if authorized, BG would begin drilling its first well, Araku Deep-1 in the second quarter 2025, using a drill ship with dynamic positioning.

Araku Deep-1 will determine the locations of three other exploration wells. The drill ship is supported by helicopters and three supply vessels to transport personnel, supplies, and waste materials. (Reporting and writing by Ank Kuipers; editing by Bill Berkrot).

(source: Reuters)