Exxon stops seismic operation after Venezuelan incursion

ExxonMobil says 3-D seismic data acquisition of the western portion of the Stabroek Block which began this month has been put on pause over the safety of its crew.

News Room has reported the government is investigating reports of an incursion into Guyanese territory by the Venezuelan military.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge confirmed to the News Room that he was looking into this “urgent” matter.

“At this time, seismic operations on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana have been paused until they can be safely continued.

“Our main concern is for the safety of crew members and others in the area. ExxonMobil is in communication with the necessary authorities,” ExxonMobil Guyana office said.

News Room understands that the Venezuelan military approached one of the vessels sub-contracted by ExxonMobil, the American oil giant which has so far discovered an estimated five billion barrels of oil and is gearing up to begin production in just over a year from now.

The contractor has been identified as PGS, a Norwegian firm which began operations in 1991 and has its headquarters in Norway.

PGS is a leading, international, marine geophysical company. Oil and gas companies use PGS data in the exploration phase to investigate regional geology and to locate reservoirs and spot traps during their search for new reserves.