PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The state-owned oil and gas company, Staatsolie, says it has started seismic research in the shallow offshore area off the coast of Saramacca and Coronie.
It said that the survey is a joint project involving the Chinese Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGP Offshore) and the Norwegian/American company Tomlinson Geophysical Services Inc. (TGS).
“The seismic survey in the Shallow Offshore area is being conducted in an area of approximately 2,000 km with water depths ranging from twenty to fifty meters. Over the course of two months, high-quality seismic data (information about the seabed geology) will be collected to map potential oil and gas deposits.
“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,” Staatsolie said in a statement.
The Open-Door Offering invites international investors to participate in new exploration and development opportunities in our offshore areas. These initiatives align with Staatsolie’s vision to position Suriname as an attractive, competitive destination for international investors.
Staatsolie said that BGP Offshore and TGS are executing the project, with both companies having extensive experience in seismic research and having previously carried out successful projects in Suriname.
“The ship BGP Prospector 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. ”
Staatsolie said the research is being conducted under a multi-client agreement that allows the consortium to collect and sell the data to third parties.
Staatsolie said it owns the data, can use it for its own exploration activities, and receives a share of the proceeds from its sale. This model provides access to high-quality data without bearing the full costs.
“The project is being carried out in accordance with the National Environmental Authority’s (NMA) guidelines. The MMMP, approved by the NMA, ensures 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,” Staatsolie added.
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