ExxonMobil could drill its first exploration well on Trinidad and Tobago’s ultra-deepwater TTUD-1 block as early as late 2027, with seismic imaging expected by year-end, according to a report by Upstream Online.

Speaking at the Rio Oil and Gas (ROG.e) energy conference in Rio de Janeiro, ExxonMobil Vice President of Exploration John Ardill said the company expects to have an image from seismic data by the end of 2026 and could move to drilling in late 2027 or early 2028.

“We’ll see an image by the end of the year, and we would expect to be drilling in late ’27, early ’28,” Ardill said, according to Upstream Online.

Ardill said ExxonMobil is advancing TTUD-1 “faster than we did in Guyana,” citing the pace of contract negotiations and seismic work.

The 7,765-square-kilometre block, off Trinidad and Tobago’s east coast, combines seven ultra-deepwater blocks, with water depths exceeding 2,000 metres in some areas.

ExxonMobil operates TTUD-1 with a 90percent interest, while Occidental Petroleum holds 10 percent.

The acreage has attracted attention because of geological similarities to Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where ExxonMobil has made major discoveries.

However, the company has stressed that the similarities do not guarantee a repeat of Guyana’s results.