Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, says he is encouraged by the latest update on offshore oil and gas exploration activities by United Oil and Gas Plc (UOG), while urging a measured and evidence-based approach as Jamaica advances its understanding of its hydrocarbon potential.

“It is important not to overstate the results seen to date. We consider the results of the analysis to date, to be consistent with other lines of evidence for the presence of a working petroleum system that we, and our predecessors, have identified in Jamaica, such as documented onshore and offshore seepage; evidence of migrated hydrocarbons in existing wells, both onshore and offshore; bituminous staining on onshore outcrops; and satellite imagery showing repeated slick anomalies on the sea surface,”

The Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications (METT) received an update from United Oil and Gas Plc (UOG), which holds the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) granting exclusive rights to explore for oil and gas within the Walton-Morant Basin offshore Jamaica. The update relates to the recently completed Surface Geochemical Survey, which has yielded positive preliminary results. UOG reports that the analysis identified C4 and C5 hydrocarbons, including butanes and pentanes, in select piston core samples.

These findings suggest the presence of a working petroleum system offshore Jamaica. However, the Minister emphasises that this does not constitute a discovery of oil or gas, nor does it signal the commencement of production.

The Minister noted that the current results represent another step in a structured and methodical exploration process, which ultimately leads to the drilling of an exploration well—the only definitive test of a viable petroleum system.

“The current analysis is just another step towards improving our understanding of the basin, along the way to drilling a well, which will always be the ultimate test of a working petroleum system. The next step is to attract a farm-in partner to take an equity position in the licence and share in the risks and costs of drilling such a well,” said Minister Vaz.

He further noted that a successful well is the only way to fully validate all key risk elements, including source presence and maturity, reservoir presence, trap presence, and hydrocarbon containment.

“A successful exploration well will prove a prospect as viable through the discovery of hydrocarbons. Upon discovery, further wells will then be required to validate the presence of moveable hydrocarbons in economic volumes to allow for subsequent commercial development.”

Minister Vaz further added that, “As we have been throughout our time on the Walton Morant Licence, United remains committed to working through the steps involved in evolving hydrocarbon exploration in Jamaica—from exploration concepts, seismic acquisition, processing and interpretation, geological fieldwork, and lead and prospect generation and maturation, through the current geochemical survey acquisition and analysis, and promoting the opportunity for partnership to the wider exploration community, and onward to the drilling of an exploration well, hopefully resulting in a successful discovery and further appraisal and development drilling.”

As part of the approved work programme, the next steps include:

• Finalisation and submission of the geochemical survey report to METT
• Convening of a Technical Advisory Committee meeting between METT and UOG
• Continued efforts by UOG to attract a farm-in partner to share the risks and costs associated with drilling
• Reprocessing of 3D seismic data to enhance subsurface imaging
• A “drill or drop” decision by January 2028

Minister Vaz is encouraging Jamaicans and stakeholders to remain cautiously optimistic. “We are making steady progress, but this is a long-term process. We must continue to rely on science, data, and careful analysis as we move forward.”

The Ministry reiterates that both METT and UOG have adopted a patient, science-driven approach to exploration, prioritising data acquisition, rigorous analysis, and environmental stewardship at every stage. Engagement with stakeholders remains ongoing to ensure that all activities are conducted to the highest environmental standards, safeguarding livelihoods and marine ecosystems.

The Ministry will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.