PETRONAS secures Blocks 9 and 10 in Suriname, expanding offshore presence, promoting local participation, and reinforcing sustainable energy development.
PETRONAS, through its fully-owned subsidiary PETRONAS Suriname E&P B.V., has officially entered into Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) for Blocks 9 and 10 in the shallow offshore regions of Suriname. These agreements were formalized with Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. (Staatsolie), Paradise Oil Company N.V. (POC), and the consortium partners Chevron Suriname Exploration Limited (Chevron) and QatarEnergy International E&P LLC (QatarEnergy). The contracts were awarded as part of the Suriname Post Shallow Offshore 2 Bid Round 2024-2025, following a successful bid by the consortium.
This development represents a major milestone in PETRONAS’ strategic expansion in the Suriname-Guyana Basin, a region internationally recognized for its rich hydrocarbon potential. The combined area of Blocks 9 and 10 covers approximately 5,456 square kilometers and is strategically positioned between proven deepwater discoveries and established onshore production fields, enhancing the prospects for exploration and development.
Under the terms of the PSCs, PETRONAS holds a 30% participating interest and acts as the operator for Block 9, while Chevron and QatarEnergy each maintain a 20% share, with POC holding 30%. In the case of Block 10, PETRONAS retains a 30% interest, whereas Chevron assumes the operator role with a 30% stake, QatarEnergy holds 30%, and POC owns 10%. This collaborative framework ensures shared expertise and resources, optimizing exploration and production efforts.
The official signing ceremony took place in Paramaribo, Suriname, with key representatives from each organization in attendance. PETRONAS was represented by Danny Tan Chern Han, Country Chair of PSEPBV; Staatsolie by Managing Director Annand Jagesar; Chevron by Frontier Exploration Director Andrew Deighan; QatarEnergy by Manager of International Upstream & Exploration Ali Al-Mana; and POC by Director Rekha Bissumbhar.
Faisal Bakar, PETRONAS Vice President of Exploration, highlighted the company’s commitment to Suriname, stating, “PETRONAS is focused on growing our presence in Suriname, and we thank Staatsolie and the Government of the Republic of Suriname for their continued support. Building on our recent successes, we are preparing for upcoming exploration activities. The expansion into Blocks 9 and 10 underscores our confidence in the offshore potential of Suriname and our dedication to generating sustainable value for the nation and its people.”
The PSCs also emphasize the importance of local workforce engagement and social investment initiatives, reflecting PETRONAS’ dedication to responsible and sustainable energy development aligned with Suriname’s national objectives.
With the inclusion of Blocks 9 and 10, alongside the recent Block 66 agreement signed in June 2025, PETRONAS now holds interests in eight offshore blocks in Suriname. This expanded presence strengthens the company’s offshore exploration portfolio and further consolidates its position as a leading global energy player.
