3D seismic vessel arrives in Jamaican waters for oil and gas exploration

The Polarcus Adira, a state-of-the-art seismic vessel, is now in Jamaican waters ready to carry out the three-dimensional (3-D) seismic survey that will determine the direction of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica's (PCJ) oil and gas exploration programme.

Under the direction of Tullow Oil, marine geophysical company, Polarcus will undertake detailed data gathering over a 2250-square kilometre area within the Walton Morant block south of Jamaica. Over an estimated 50 to 60 days, the survey vessel will navigate the designated area using a sound-based method that will generate detailed 3-D images of rock layers beneath the seabed. This data will then be analysed to identify potential oil and gas reservoirs.

Prior to the start of the survey activities, a delegation, which included Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Dr Andrew Wheatley; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology Hillary Alexander; PCJ Group General Manager Winston Watson; and PCJ Chairman Russell Hadeed, toured the vessel and received a detailed briefing from Tullow's and Polarcus' technical teams.

Following the tour, Wheatley said, "This is a historic moment for Jamaica as all our efforts to move our oil and gas exploration forward over the years are finally paying off, and we are looking forward to definitive findings that will keep us moving in the right direction."

PCJ Group General Manager Winston Watson said, "The progression of the oil and gas exploration partnership between the PCJ and Tullow Oil is very encouraging, and the PCJ remains committed to the programme for the long haul, and we encourage other exploration firms to consider Jamaica."

The 3-D seismic survey forms part of the 2014 production sharing agreement between the PCJ and Tullow Oil as they continue their search for oil and gas offshore Jamaica. It follows two rounds of two-dimensional surveys that were conducted in 2016 and 2017. The execution of the survey is a significant development as it marks the first time in the over 60 years of Jamaica's exploration history that an explorer will carry out such potentially game-changing analysis of our waters.

Upon its completion, Tullow and the PCJ will have a clearer picture of the rock layers beneath the seabed to guide in locating potential oil and gas reservoirs. After assessment of the findings, there is a possibility that an exploratory well may be drilled in the near future.