‘Aggressive’ upstream exploration planned for Jamaica

An extension granted to United Oil and Gas (UOG) for Jamaica offshore block Walton-Morant envisions an “aggressive” work program, according to energy minister Daryl Vaz.

Vaz made the comment during a presentation to lawmakers in which he highlighted that the work includes a seafloor survey to help derisk oil and gas prospects.

“Currently, work is being done to secure the necessary environmental permits through the National Environment and Planning Agency. This survey is expected to be completed at the end of this calendar year,” he said.

In January, UOG announced that the block’s license was extended to January 31, 2026.

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PETROJAM

The minister also announced improvements for state refiner Petrojam's 35,000b/d plant.

The operational efficiency improvements focus on oil loss, crude processing, refinery reliability, risk management, and environmental protection.

Meanwhile, a project to convert heavy fuel oil to asphalt is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024-25, he added. Monthly asphalt production will increase to around 19,000b from 4,000b.

“This project is necessary as there has been a fallout in the demand for high sulfur fuel oil and the low sulfur crudes currently being processed cannot produce enough asphalt,” Vaz told parliament.