Two critical wells targeting the promising geological formation known as The Golden Lane will test Suriname’s offshore oil ambitions. Drilling of these wells, Caiman-1 and Kiskadee-1 in Block 52, is expected in the second half of 2025.
PETRONAS, the operator of Block 52, leads this exploration effort, with these wells positioned directly in a region that has consistently yielded oil discoveries. The Golden Lane extending from Guyana into Suriname offers favorable geological conditions for discovering hydrocarbons. Caiman-1 and Kiskadee-1 are the only two wells planned this year offshore Suriname that will be entirely within this prolific corridor.
The industry will focus on their outcomes as success would reaffirm The Golden Lane’s reputation as a reliable oil bearing zone.
The Golden Lane got its name from a succession of oil finds tracing a narrow band from ExxonMobil’s Liza discovery in Guyana to emerging prospects in Suriname.
Industry experts describe it as a high-probability zone where nearly every well drilled has struck hydrocarbons. Success would attract more investment and accelerate 48 development timelines for commercial production in the country. The performance of Caiman-1 and Kiskadee-1 may also influence Surinamese national policy on infrastructure and export strategy.
A commercial oil find could lead to new offshore production facilities and pipelines to connect output to global markets. Outside of The Golden Lane, the operator will drill three other exploration wells in 2025. These include Macaw-1 in Block 64, Korikori-1 in Block 5, and Araku Deep-1 in Block 65. These wells represent efforts to expand the exploration footprint beyond its most geologically favorable areas.
Macaw-1, operated by TotalEnergies, was the first of the f ive offshore wells scheduled for this year. Drilling began on May 19 using the Stena DrillMAX. Macaw-1 is in Block 64, about 280 kilometers offshore in water depths of 1,000 to 3,000 meters.
TotalEnergies holds a 40% interest and operates the block, with PETRONAS and QatarEnergy each owning 30%. The results from Macaw-1 will help assess the potential for new oil and gas plays outside the Golden Lane. If successful, it could open up new areas for exploration and production in the Suriname-Guyana basin.
Korikori-1, in Block 5, is operated by Chevron. Block 5 has experienced less activity compared to other offshore zones in Suriname. Korikori-1 will be the first well drilled in this block, providing valuable geological data even if it does not yield oil. Drilling operations will commence in the third quarter of 2025.
Araku Deep-1, to be drilled by Shell in Block 65, is another wildcat well-testing prospect outside The Golden Lane.
These three wells, Macaw-1, Korikori-1, and Araku Deep-1, reflect the willingness to take calculated risks beyond the proven zones.
While The Golden Lane offers high-probability targets, success outside it could greatly expand the resource base. Suriname is the hub of all logistics operations, with shore base services located in the capital, Paramaribo.
This integration of local infrastructure is a milestone for the upstream sector, enhancing local content and economic participation. The exploration campaign has also created opportunities for local suppliers of goods and services. With all vessel support, logistics, and personnel transfer operations based domestically, Suriname is preparing to play a central role in its oil sector.
In addition to the immediate economic benefits, successful discoveries could lead to long-term investments in refining, export terminals, and energy infrastructure. Suriname could follow Guyana’s path in becoming a significant oil producer in the region.
As Suriname navigates a crucial phase in its offshore energy development, the results from the Caiman-1 and Kiskadee-1 wells could significantly shape the next chapter in the nation’s oil narrative. Their performance will influence the outlook for 2025, and also determine Suriname’s long-term position in the global energy market.
Golden Lane: An overview map of the Suriname-Guyana Basin shows the ‘Golden Lane’ and various exploration and production blocks in Suriname’s offshore and onshore areas. (Photo credit: Staatsolie)
