Liza Phase One development on track – ExxonMobil finalising contract for third drill ship

DPI, Guyana, Friday, July 13, 2018

The Noble Bob Douglas drillship has completed the first phase drilling of seven wells ExxonMobil’s new Public and Government Affairs Director, Deedra Moe, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) today.

“They are going back in and doing the second phase so they are on track to do that.”  First oil from Liza phase one is expected in 2020. ExxonMobil is also participating with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultations for Liza Phase two development.

The US oil-giant has also submitted its development plan for Liza phase two to the government and it is expected to begin in 2023 pending the approval of permits and the company’s FID.

Meanwhile, Moe said the company is “finishing up” work at the Longtail field, its most recent discovery. An evaluation of the find is expected sometime next week.

It is expected that the estimated value of the Stabroek Block will increase following the evaluation of Longtail. “We’re still saying 3.2M [barrels oil equivalent] but that is what they are looking to update,” Moe cautioned.

Exxon is in the process of finalising arrangements to introduce a second drillship in its exploration operations. The vessel will be in Guyana later this year to begin exploration drilling in the southwest area of the Stabroek Block. It will compliment drilling being done by the Stena Carron.

ExxonMobil has had an 80 percent success rate in its offshore exploration.

Moe takes over from Kimberly Brasington who has served in the position for more than two years. “I’ve a lot to learn but I am excited to be here,” she told DPI. She took over from Brasington at the start of the month.

Moe had worked with Exxon’s downstream operations in the United States before coming to Guyana. “I’m excited to be moving back into upstream where I’ve worked before … I really look to continue the communications work that Kimberly and the team have done here,” she said.

By: Tiffny Rhodius

Images: Giovanni Gajie