Chevron set to drill Korikori-1 exploration well offshore Suriname

Core Insights - Staatsolie, the state-owned oil and gas company of Suriname, announced that Chevron Suriname Exploration will begin drilling the Korikori-1 exploration well this month, located approximately 78km offshore at a water depth of 40m [1] - Chevron operates Block 5 with a 40% interest, alongside Paradise Oil Company (POC) with 40% and Qatar Energy with 20% [1] - The drilling operations are expected to last around 90 days to assess the presence of hydrocarbons in the subsurface [2] Summary by Sections Drilling Operations - Chevron received a permit from Suriname's National Environmental Authority for drilling operations at the end of July 2025 [2] - The Noble Regina Allen rig will conduct the drilling, arriving in the first half of this month [2] - The operations aim to determine the presence of hydrocarbons and will be launched from port facilities in Suriname [3] Economic Impact - The initiative provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs and suppliers to engage in Suriname's offshore oil and gas sector [3] - Block 5 covers approximately 2,200km² in the Suriname-Guyana Basin, with water depths ranging from 30m to 60m [4] - Staatsolie sought $1.5 billion (Sr$53.47 billion) in bank financing for the Gran Morgu energy project in 2025 [4]