As public interest grows around Jamaica’s offshore energy prospects, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz is urging calm and clarity, stressing that the latest activity by United Oil and Gas is strictly scientific and does not involve oil drilling.
The clarification comes as the United Kingdom-based company prepares to launch a surface geochemical exploration programme offshore Jamaica, a preliminary and non-intrusive exercise designed to determine whether the geological conditions needed for petroleum formation exist beneath the island’s waters.
United Oil and Gas will conduct a multi-week survey using a specialised research vessel, the RV Gyre. The programme includes seabed mapping, heat flow measurements and the collection of narrow sediment samples, all aimed at assessing whether an active petroleum system may be present offshore.
During a media tour of the vessel at the Port Royal Cruise Terminal on Monday, United Oil and Gas Chief Executive Officer Brian Larkin emphasised that the operation is about gathering evidence, not extracting resources.
“I do want to be very clear on this from the start, because it’s easy for these projects to get misinterpreted: We are not drilling a well. This is data collection, arguably the final piece of the jigsaw before you move towards potential exploration drilling,” Larkin said. “The purpose of the survey is to help us understand whether there’s an active petroleum system offshore Jamaica.”
According to Larkin, the work will be conducted in deep waters, more than 450 metres below sea level, and well away from traditional fishing grounds. The survey will involve multi-beam seabed mapping, followed by heat flow measurements and piston coring at approximately 41 carefully selected sites.
“These locations are selected using existing seismic data and known geological features, as we’re targeting indicators commonly associated with hydrocarbon migration,” he explained.
The company has also sought to reassure Jamaicans about environmental protection. Larkin noted that the project has received all required approvals from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Fisheries Authority, and will be monitored throughout.
Representatives from both agencies, along with marine mammal and fisheries observers, will be present during the operation to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
“The equipment we plan to use operates within very clearly defined limits. It’s soft-start procedures, and piston coring causes only very small, temporary disturbance to the seabed,” Larkin said. “We’ve also engaged fishing communities ahead of this work, recognising that the ocean supports livelihoods across Jamaica.”
The exploration activity falls under a production-sharing agreement with the Government of Jamaica, which establishes the legal and regulatory framework for offshore exploration.
Gov’t strengthening energy security
Energy Minister Vaz said the initiative is part of the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen energy security while maintaining strong environmental safeguards.
“This activity represents an early-stage, non-intrusive exploration effort aimed at improving our technical understanding of Jamaica’s offshore petroleum potential,” Vaz said. “It does not authorise drilling or production. It is a data-gathering exercise that supports informed, responsible, evidence-based decision-making.”
He added that oversight mechanisms are firmly in place and that the survey is being carried out in line with international best practices and local regulations.
“There will be robust monitoring to ensure the protection of Jamaica’s marine environment and the livelihoods that depend on it,” Vaz said.
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The minister also cautioned against public speculation that an oil discovery is imminent.
“This survey represents due diligence, not destiny,” he said. “Every time this issue comes up, people get excited and think we have struck oil. We have not. If you don’t hear me say it, then you know it’s not on.”
While noting Jamaica’s continued investment in renewable energy, Vaz said the country also has a responsibility to carefully and transparently examine all potential domestic energy resources.
The survey is expected to last three to four weeks, with preliminary findings anticipated within one to two months. Full analysis, including laboratory testing of samples, is expected by mid-year.
For Vaz, the exercise marks a cautious step forward rather than a dramatic breakthrough.
“Let us desist from the misinformation,” he said, adding that while other Caribbean nations have already struck oil, Jamaica’s approach remains measured. “We know Jamaica is a blessed country, and our time is coming — hopefully.”
