Petronas Announces New Gas Discovery in Suriname's Block 52

Malaysian state-owned oil company Petronas has announced a new natural gas discovery in Block 52, offshore Suriname. The discovery, named Sloanea-1, is being fast-tracked for development, with a final investment decision expected in the second half of 2026. The announcement was made by Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons during the Suriname Energy Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition in Paramaribo, though she provided no additional details beyond stating that the discovery lays the foundation for multiple oil and gas developments in the country.

Drilling Campaign and Development Plans

Petronas is currently conducting a three-well campaign in Block 52 using the Noble Corporation semi-submersible drilling rig Noble Developer. The campaign includes the Kiskadee-1 wildcat and the Roystonea-2 appraisal well, following the encouraging results of the first exploration well, Caiman-1, concluded in December. Petronas is considering an integrated development using a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) solution and is expected to sanction Sloanea-1 after the drilling campaign to begin commercial production early next decade.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Details

Earlier this year, Petronas signed collaboration agreements with Valaris, Halliburton, Subsea7, and SLB OneSubsea to support its offshore Suriname projects. Petronas operates Block 52, located about 180 kilometers from the Surinamese coast, with an 80% stake, while Suriname's state-owned oil company and market regulator Staatsolie holds the remaining 20%.

Broader Context in Suriname's Oil and Gas Sector

President Simons highlighted that Suriname is at a historic turning point due to large-scale oil and gas developments, including the GranMorgu project operated by TotalEnergies in Block 58, which is expected to produce first oil in 2028. She also announced the establishment of a strategic project management team to steer policy and legislation ahead of first oil from GranMorgu.