ExxonMobil Plans to Drill First Well in Trinidad and Tobago's TTUD-1 Block in 2028

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 21, Rudal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries of Trinidad and Tobago, said that U.S. company ExxonMobil is nearing completion of 3D seismic data acquisition in the TTUD-1 ultra-deepwater oil and gas block offshore eastern Trinidad and Tobago, and plans to drill the first exploration well in 2028. The block covers an area of 7,165 square kilometers, with water depths exceeding 2,000 meters. ExxonMobil serves as operator, while Occidental Petroleum holds a 10% participating interest.

After seismic acquisition is completed, the project will enter the stages of data processing, geological interpretation, and drilling target selection. ExxonMobil has issued service procurement inquiries to local Trinidad and Tobago companies, covering permitting, environmental compliance, and related support services for future drilling operations. The drilling target location will be determined after seismic data analysis and subsurface structural evaluation.

The TTUD-1 block is located offshore east of Trinidad Island, covering an ultra-deepwater area of 7,165 square kilometers. On August 12, 2025, ExxonMobil signed a production sharing contract with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and obtained operating rights to the block. In December 2025, the project obtained environmental approval for a 3D seismic survey covering 8,825 square kilometers. In January 2026, ExxonMobil commissioned Shearwater GeoServices to conduct data acquisition using the seismic survey vessel "Amazon Warrior."

In June 2026, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago approved Occidental Petroleum's acquisition of a 10% interest in the TTUD-1 block through a participating interest transfer transaction, with ExxonMobil retaining a 90% interest and its status as operator. The two parties will jointly participate in subsequent exploration and development work.

The latest work schedule announced for the project in October 2026 points to 2028 for drilling the first exploration well. ExxonMobil is currently advancing the wrap-up of seismic data acquisition and subsequent interpretation work, while simultaneously initiating preparations for the procurement of drilling permitting and environmental compliance services.