BP gains entrance to new oil & gas exploration arena off Trinidad’s north coast

BP Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT), a subsidiary of the UK-based energy giant BP, has expanded its footprint offshore Trinidad and Tobago by securing access to a new block, where the company has not undertaken any hydrocarbon exploration activities.

As part of the Shallow Water 2023/24 bid round that closed in May 2024, BP was awarded the NCMA 2 block located approximately 30 miles off Trinidad’s north coast. This block is said to open a new area of exploration for the energy giant in Trinidad and Tobago.

BP’s current production comes from the Columbus Basin off Trinidad’s east coast, where the firm operates 17 offshore installations and two onshore processing facilities. The company claims this block award showcases its Trinidad strategy to access new basins while maximizing production in existing acreage.

Commenting on the award, David Campbell, bpTT President, highlighted: “Continued exploration activity is crucial for sustaining our industry and I am very pleased that we have secured this block.

“The NCMA area is new to BP in T&T and I am looking forward to maximizing its potential. Although geographically new to us, we will be able to draw on our 50-plus years of exploration experience in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Since the beginning of the year, BP has completed its infill drilling program in Trinidad and Tobago, announced the divestment of some of its mature assets, entered into a joint venture arrangement with EOG Resources for the Coconut development, and is close to completing the Cypre development drilling campaign. 

The Mento platform at the TOFCO fabrication yard is in the final stages of construction as it gets ready to sail away within the coming weeks. The jacket will be loaded onto a barge, while the topsides will be loaded out in the upcoming days.

The jacket, followed by the topsides, will then sail to the east coast of Trinidad for installation at their final location, after which commissioning activities will begin. The Mento development is a 50/50 joint venture between EOG Resources Trinidad (EOG) and bpTT, with EOG as the operator.

George Vieira, Managing Director of EOG Resources Trinidad Limited, said: “As the Mento platform sets sail to be installed off the east coast of Trinidad, we are pleased with the partnership between EOG and bpTT in exploring and developing oil and gas resources in the region.

“We want to thank TOFCO and our local contractors for the work done on the Mento platform.  We look forward to continuing to partner with bpTT on our next joint development, Coconut.”

Mento will be a 12-slot, manned platform off Trinidad’s southeast coast. The first gas is expected in 2025.