Vessel offshore Jamaica to test billion-barrel oil prospect this week
A research ship is arriving in Jamaica to perform specialized seabed surveys aimed at identifying commercial oil deposits within the Walton Morant Licence area.
The project, led by United Oil & Gas, involves taking core samples and temperature readings to confirm if the region holds a potential 7.1 billion barrels of crude.
By analyzing seafloor depressions for hydrocarbon seepage, the company hopes to prove the existence of an active petroleum system and reduce the financial risks associated with future offshore drilling.
These scientific findings will be used to attract strategic partners who can fund the expensive next steps of exploration.
Preliminary data from the laboratory analysis is anticipated in early 2026, which will dictate the economic feasibility of the island’s energy sector.