PARAMARIBO, Suriname — Suriname’s national oil company Staatsolie will highlight the country’s expanding offshore oil and gas opportunities at the inaugural Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, scheduled to take place from March 30 to April 1 in Paramaribo.
The company’s Offshore Exploration Manager, Sharista Kalapnat-Kisoensingh, is expected to speak on Staatsolie’s strategic offshore initiatives and the country’s growing investment prospects. Sessions will also spotlight the company’s Enterprise Development Center (EDC), an initiative designed to strengthen the local private sector and prepare Surinamese businesses to participate in the nation’s emerging oil and gas industry.
Driving Suriname’s Offshore Oil Boom
Staatsolie has played a central role in Suriname’s rapidly developing offshore sector. The company’s declaration of the Sloanea field as commercial in November 2025 marked a major milestone for the country’s offshore basin, underscoring its growing hydrocarbon potential.
In addition, a seismic survey program conducted with TGS and BGP Offshore, launched late last year, is providing critical geological insights across multiple offshore blocks. At the same time, new production sharing agreements for Blocks 9 and 10 are attracting additional international investment.
Together, these initiatives position Staatsolie not only as a producer but also as a strategic enabler—coordinating development, structuring investment opportunities, and shaping Suriname’s broader offshore growth agenda.
Opening More Offshore Acreage to Investors
To further accelerate exploration, Staatsolie launched an Open-Door Offering in late 2025, making approximately 60% of Suriname’s offshore acreage available under flexible exploration agreements.
The company also holds a 20% stake in the $10.5 billion GranMorgu development on Block 58, a major project expected to generate over $1 billion in local content expenditure.
These developments are helping transform Suriname from a modest onshore oil producer into an increasingly significant offshore energy player with strong potential for investment, production growth, and economic impact.
Preparing Local Businesses for Industry Growth
At Caribbean Energy Week 2026, Staatsolie will also showcase the Enterprise Development Center, a flagship initiative aimed at preparing Suriname’s private sector for offshore participation.
As projects such as GranMorgu move closer to production, the EDC is expected to help ensure that local companies are equipped to capture opportunities across exploration, construction, and supply chain activities linked to the oil and gas sector.
Energy Sector’s Growing Role in the Economy
Staatsolie’s upstream operations already contribute significantly to Suriname’s economy, accounting for about 9.5% of the country’s GDP and 32% of government revenues.
These figures are expected to increase as offshore production ramps up in the coming years.
Kalapnat-Kisoensingh’s participation at CEW 2026 is expected to outline how Staatsolie is managing Suriname’s offshore expansion, supporting private sector engagement, and positioning the country as an emerging hub in regional energy markets.
