Latest update September 20th, 2026 10:40 AM
Suriname begins seismic study in shallow waters – Staatsolie
(Kaieteur News) – State owned Surinamese oil company, Staatsolie has announced that the Dutch speaking country has begun a seismic study in shallow waters offshore to ascertain potential oil and gas deposits.
In a statement via its website on Thursday, the company said the area involved in the study is off the coast of Saramacca and Coronie. “This survey is a joint project between Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., the Chinese Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGP Offshore), and the Norwegian/American company Tomlinson Geophysical Services Inc. (TGS).”
The area in which the study is being conducted measures approximately 2,000 km², having water depths that range from 20 to 50 metres. Seismic high-quality data will be collected over a two-month period.
Map showing areas with existing studies and where the new ones will be carried out.
“This survey is an important step in further exploiting Suriname’s offshore oil and gas potential, aligning with the open-door offering that started on November 24, 2025. The open-door offering invites international investors to participate in new exploration and development opportunities in our offshore areas. These initiatives are in line with Staatsolie’s vision to position Suriname as an attractive and competitive destination for international investors,” Staatsolie said.
The project is being executed by two international companies: BGP Offshore and TGS that have extensive experience in seismic research having previously carried out successful projects in Suriname. The BGP Prospector is the ship that will be used for this research.
“The boat will tow eight streamers, each six kilometers long, at a depth of nine meters. Streamers are long cables that record the reflection of sound waves from the subsurface beneath the seabed. This limits the ship’s maneuverability, so it is accompanied by support vessels to ensure that fishing boats and commercial ships keep a safe distance,” the company added.
The research is conducted on the basis of a multi-client agreement, which allows the consortium to collect and sell data to third parties. However, Staatsolie who owns the data, can use it for its own exploration activities, and receive a share of the proceeds from its sale. This model provides access to high-quality data without bearing the full costs.
The statement went on to say that, “the project is being carried out in accordance with the National Environmental Authority’s (NMA) guidelines. The MMMP, which was approved by the NMA, guarantees that the research will be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. From August to October of this year, stakeholders, including Coronie and Saramacca residents and fishermen, were informed and consulted for the composition of the MMMP, and their feedback was incorporated into the final plan.”
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