TotalEnergies, in collaboration with a consortium including Qatar Energy and Petronas, has announced a significant investment of at least $20 million to conduct a 3D seismic survey in the S4 shallow water block offshore Guyana. The project, set to commence in late 2026, will span approximately 1,800 square kilometers and is expected to last at least six months. This initiative follows the signing of a five-year petroleum exploration agreement with the Guyanese government, marking a pivotal step in the region’s oil and gas exploration efforts.
Daniel Larranaga, TotalEnergies’ Vice President of Exploration in the Americas, emphasized the potential impact of the survey, stating that it could lead to significant discoveries and further exploration activities. The S4 block, located off the coast of Demerara, has been a focal point for TotalEnergies since its initial exploration efforts 35 years ago. Larranaga expressed optimism about the block’s geological prospects, noting that while it differs from deep-water plays, it holds considerable potential.
The consortium is awaiting final contractual arrangements and permits, which Larranaga anticipates will be expedited compared to industry standards. The selection of the company to conduct the seismic study remains undecided. Additionally, the project will be integrated with TotalEnergies’ ongoing offshore operations in Suriname’s GranMorgu production facility, currently under construction.
In line with local content provisions, the consortium has committed to engaging in social projects and hiring local contractors and personnel. The agreement also includes a $15 million signature bonus, exceeding the stipulated $10 million, which will be directly deposited into Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat highlighted the transparency of the agreement, which will be publicly accessible on the ministry’s website.
Guyana, currently producing over 900,000 barrels of oil per day, continues to attract significant investment in its burgeoning oil and gas sector, positioning itself as a key player in the global energy market.









