US independent Apache has struck more oil in Suriname, its third discovery in the emerging offshore play this year.
The discovery was made at the Kwaskwasi-1 in 1.4mn-acre Block 58 that was spudded by the Noble Sam Croft drillship, said Apache, which operates the block with a 50pc stake. Total holds the other 50pc.
Apache announced discoveries in January and April at the Maka Central-1 and Sapakara West-1 wells. The company says it will next drill the Keskesi exploration well on Block 58.
Apache's latest find follows heightened interest in Suriname's offshore acreage, which is part of the same geological trend as neighboring Guyana where ExxonMobil has made extensive discoveries since 2015.
Among other Suriname prospectors is Malaysia's state-owned Petronas, which plans to drill the Sloanea-1 well on block 52 in the fourth quarter of 2020. The company's 50pc partner is ExxonMobil.
The UK's Tullow plans to drill the GVN-1 prospect on Block 47 in first quarter 2021.
ExxonMobil also has a contract with Staatsolie for deepwater Block 59, with partners US independent Hess and Norway's Equinor.
Suriname's new government is encouraging more foreign oil investment. The country's production is limited to around 16,300 b/d from Staatsolie's onshore Tambaredjo and Calcutta fields.
