PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC -The Malaysia-based Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) says it plans to drill four new oil wells in Suriname, which are expected to lead to further production developments later this year, according to the state-owned Communications Service Suriname (CDS).
It stated that the assurance was given on Monday during discussions between President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons and a Petronas delegation, which included Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab, Petronas’ executive vice president and chief executive officer.
Petronas operates in eight blocks off the coast of Suriname, and according to the Communications Service Suriname, President Geerlings-Simons has shown great interest in Petronas’ gas developments, particularly in the offshore sector.
It was reported that gas has been recently discovered in block 52, and it is currently being investigated whether this could lead to large-scale gas development.
Director of the state-owned oil company, Staatsolie, Annand Jagesar, as well as Gas and the Environment Minister, Patrick Brunings, attended the meeting with Brunings indicating that the ministry plays “a supporting and connecting role” in the collaboration between Staatsolie and Petronas.
“Petronas is an important partner for Suriname, and we want to learn from its expertise, particularly in the field of renewable energy and the energy transition. We are not only looking at current oil and gas production, but also at the future beyond fossil fuels,” he said.
Jagesar called Petronas a long-standing and reliable partner, pointing out that Suriname holds one of the company’s most critical strategic positions outside Malaysia.
According to the Staatsolie director, the recent gas discovery in Block 52, along with the planned oil drilling, offers new opportunities.
“Oil production at Granmorgu alone offers enormous potential for poverty reduction and economic growth. With the additional gas and oil developments, Suriname can become a prosperous country, provided these developments are managed carefully and responsibly,” Jagesar said.
CDS said that during the meeting, emphasis was also placed on local content, the active involvement of Surinamese companies, and skilled professionals in the oil and gas sector. It stated that investments will be made in education and training, enabling Surinamese people to directly benefit from employment opportunities in the sector and related industries.
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