Jamaican coastline with oil exploration activities - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image showcases the Jamaican coastline, highlighting the areas where Tullow Oil will conduct offshore oil and gas exploration as part of their new agreement with Jamaica's petroleum firm.
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JAMAICA SIGNS DEAL TO SEARCH FOR OFFSHORE OIL, GAS

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on November 12, 2014

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Jamaica and Tullow Oil Sign Exploration Deal

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) – Jamaica’s petroleum firm has signed an agreement with a British oil company, clearing the way for oil and gas exploration in offshore blocks south of the island.

The “production sharing agreement” was signed with London-headquartered Tullow Oil, which has a 100 percent operating interest.

Details of Offshore Block Exploration

The pact allows Tullow to start exploring 10 of Jamaica’s 31 offshore blocks. The areas to be surveyed cover about 32,065 square kilometers (12,380 square miles).

Petroleum Corporation and Tullow Statements

In a Tuesday statement from the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, Tullow exploration director Angus McCoss said a “great deal of geological and other essential work is required before any drilling can take place.”

Timeline and Scope of Exploration Work

Exploration work to search for commercially-viable wells of oil and gas could last up to 7 ½ years.

Key Takeaways

  • Jamaica’s Petroleum Corporation has signed a 2014 production-sharing agreement with Tullow Oil for offshore oil and gas exploration.
  • The deal grants Tullow 100% operating interest over 10 of Jamaica’s 31 offshore blocks covering ~32,065 sq km south of the island.
  • Exploration activities, including geological and seismic surveys, could span up to 7.5 years before any drilling decision.
  • If hydrocarbons are confirmed, the agreement transitions into a production phase lasting approximately 17.5–19.5 years.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of agreement was signed between Jamaica and Tullow Oil?
A Production‑Sharing Agreement (PSA), granting Tullow a 100 % operating interest in offshore exploration blocks.
How many offshore blocks are involved and what area do they cover?
The agreement covers 10 full blocks (and a partial block) out of Jamaica’s 31 offshore blocks, spanning approximately 32,065 square kilometers.
How long is the exploration phase expected to last?
Exploration, including surveys and assessments, may take up to 7.5 years before any drilling might occur.
What happens if commercially viable oil or gas is found?
If viable reserves are discovered, the agreement moves to a production phase lasting 17.5–19.5 years.

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