What is the timeline and key condition for Block 52 in Suriname to be declared commercially viable for oil?

According to Staatsolie’s managing director Annand Jagesar, Suriname expects to reach a declaration of commerciality for oil in offshore Block 52 “somewhere in the coming 18 months”, contingent on continued exploration results and a positive assessment by partners Petronas and Staatsolie. This timeline is separate from the already declared commercial viability for natural gas in the same block—based on the Sloanea discovery—and precedes any final investment decision on gas development, which is expected later this year.

How does the Sloanea gas discovery in Block 52 relate to Suriname’s broader energy development plans, including timelines and infrastructure?

The Sloanea gas discovery in Block 52 has already been declared commercially viable for natural gas development and is expected to lead to a large-scale project featuring floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, pending a positive final investment decision by partners Petronas and Staatsolie later this year; first gas production from this development is targeted for 2030. This gas initiative complements Suriname’s imminent entry into offshore crude oil production via the $10.5 billion Gran Morgu project—operated by TotalEnergies—with first oil scheduled for 2028. Together, these projects signal a dual-track offshore hydrocarbons strategy, with Block 52 potentially enabling parallel oil and gas export development if oil commerciality is confirmed within the next 18 months.

Suriname's Block 52 could become commercial for oil in 18 months, Staatsolie says

May 27, 2026

Staatsolie expects offshore Block 52 to reach oil commerciality within 18 months following Petronas' discoveries, enabling potential LNG development. Suriname is also launching a licensing round to attract investors alongside TotalEnergies' planned crude production in 2028.

reuters

2026-05-27

Suriname's Block 52 could become commercial for oil in 18 months, Staatsolie says

Suriname's Block 52 could become commercial for oil in 18 months, Staatsolie says

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