Tullow Jamaica Limited is set to undertake 2D seismic survey over 3,000 km area off Jamaica.
The survey is a part of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed with Petroluem Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) in November 2014.
Tullow has contracted BGP Challenger vessel to conduct the survey work on blocks off the south coast of Jamaica.
The BGP Challenger arrived at Port of Kingston on January 11, from where it will head to south coast to begin the work.
During its stay at the port the vessel was toured by Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell.
Minister Paulwell said: “A critical pillar in our oil and gas exploration efforts has been getting a company with Tullow’s resources on board to carry out in depth surveys of our oil blocks; and the seismic work that will be done this month marks another milestone in our quest to determine Jamaica’s hydrocarbon potential.”
“A major goal of the Energy Ministry is to diversify Jamaica’s energy mix by placing greater emphasis on indigenous sources and if we can find our own oil and gas that will be a crucial boost to the achievement of the country’s energy independence so we look forward to the results of this research,” he added.
The PCJ’s Group General Manager, Winston Watson said: “The search for oil and gas is a long term undertaking but it is encouraging to be at this phase of the Production Sharing Agreement with Tullow which will help to guide us on the way forward. However, even while we are executing the PSA with Tullow, the PCJ is still actively seeking additional investors for Jamaica’s remaining blocks.”