Practice and enlightenment of deepwater petroleum exploration of international major oil companies: a case study of Guyana Stabroek block

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2023.03.007

Abstract

Abstract: In recent years, exploration breakthroughs have continuously been obtained in deepwater fields by major international oil companies. Among them, the joint venture company led by ExxonMobil has discovered 31 deepwater oil and gas fields in Stabroek block in Guyana, making it a rising star in the petroleum industry in South America and driving the exploration boom in the peripheral offshore areas. Guyana Basin spans Guyana and Suriname offshore areas. ExxonMobil’s petroleum exploration in Guyana Basin mainly experienced three stages, namely, the advanced layout in Suriname offshore area during the 1957-1982, re-exploration in Guyana Basin and long-term research in Guyana offshore area during the 1999-2015, and a series of discoveries by applying new geological understanding and seismic technologies since 2015. The exploration practice of major international oil companies in Guyana, especially the joint venture company led by ExxonMobil, shows that it is a feasible and typical way to implement risk exploration by conducting comprehensive regional geological study and applying new data to strengthen exploration confidence and introducing partners to share risks and benefits, which provides reference for Chinese oil companies in promoting overseas petroleum exploration business from “going global” to “going better”.

CLC Number:

TE122.11

Liu Xiaobing, Dou Lirong. Practice and enlightenment of deepwater petroleum exploration of international major oil companies: a case study of Guyana Stabroek block[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2023, 28(3): 78-89.

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