Latest update March 27th, 2026 12:40 AM
Exxon to conduct seismic survey on T&T ultra-deepwater block in Feb. 2026
(Kaieteur News) – American oil major ExxonMobil Corporation is expected to begin seismic acquisition on Trinidad and Tobago’s Ultra Deep 1 (TTUD-1) block in February 2026, according to that country’s Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the ministry said ExxonMobil has selected a seismic acquisition vendor and confirmed that operations for the newly awarded ultra-deepwater block are on schedule. The anticipated “first shot” window is projected for February 2026, about six months after the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) was signed in August 2025.
The update was provided during a meeting between T&T government officials and a high-level delegation from the U.S. Embassy and ExxonMobil.
An illustration of the Block UD-1 (The Energy Chamber Trinidad and Tobago image)
Those present at the meeting were: Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Karinsa Tulsie, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and Terrance Ali, Senior Chemical Engineer (Ag.), Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries.
ExxonMobil’s delegation included Paul Riley, South America Exploration Manager; Gboyega Ayeni, Upstream Commercial Manager; and retired Ambassador Craig Kelly, Senior Director for International Government Relations. The U.S. Embassy was represented by Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz and Charlie J. Franta III.
TTUD-1 was awarded to ExxonMobil earlier this year and comprises a consolidation of seven ultra-deepwater blocks.
The Energy Ministers reiterated the Government’s commitment to support the project by optimising the necessary permitting and approvals processes, ensuring that there are minimal delays on the State’s end as it pertains to achieving the accelerated timeline for the execution of the minimum work committed by ExxonMobil.
Further, the Energy Ministers and the officials from the U.S. Embassy took the opportunity to reaffirm mutual commitment to the collaboration between T&T and the United States of America, particularly as it relates to energy sector matters.
Notably, it was also stated that all parties remain committed to the accelerated and successful development of TTUD1, committing to continued open dialogue and communication.
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