ExxonMobil to drill three new wells in 2025 near Guyana’s high-yield ‘Golden Lane’ oil zone
ExxonMobil is gearing up to drill three new exploration and appraisal wells in 2025- Hamlet-1, Barreleye-2, and Lukanani-2- all strategically located updip of the highly productive Golden Lane trend in the Stabroek Block.
According to a November 11 report by global energy magazine GeoExPRO, the wells are positioned in a prime geological zone that has already produced close to 900,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) from four Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs).
“These targets are strategically positioned updip of the prolific ‘Golden Lane’ trend,” said Andres Mesa of NVENTURES, an upstream exploration firm that provides intelligence for the global energy sector.
In geological terms, updip refers to the shallower, structurally higher portion of a reservoir, where hydrocarbons tend to migrate naturally, often improving the chances of productive discoveries.
The Golden Lane has become one of the most sought-after exploration zones in the Guyana-Suriname Basin, known for its consistent oil accumulations and strong reservoir quality.
Exxon’s earlier discoveries in this area have been encouraging. The Lukanani-1 well, announced in April 2022, found 115 feet (35 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone in 4,068 feet (1,240 metres) of water. The Barreleye-1 well, drilled in 6,315 feet (1,925 metres) of water and located about 20 miles southeast of the Liza field, encountered 230 feet (70 metres) of similar sandstone. The Hamlet-1 prospect lies in the southeastern part of the Stabroek Block, further extending the cluster of promising targets in this structural corridor.
ExxonMobil operates the Stabroek Block with a 45% interest, alongside Hess (30%) and CNOOC (25%), continuing to expand what has become one of the world’s most successful offshore oil plays.
