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Basin Studies Workshop and Technical Symposium: Maturing Recent Successes While Unlocking New Opportunities in the Guiana Basin and Beyond

Occurred Wednesday, 30 April – Friday, 2 May 2025, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.  |  Paramaribo, Suriname

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AAPG’s Latin America & Caribbean Region and SPE Suriname Section invite you to join us for  Maturing Recent Successes While Unlocking New Opportunities  in the Guiana Basin and Beyond, in-person, multidisciplinary event convening industry leaders and technical experts working in Guyana, Suriname and Brazil’s Equatorial Margins.

The Basin Studies Workshop, held April 30, provides a continuation of the Staatsolie Basin Studies Symposium held in 2023, offering an updated look at Suriname’s play concepts and petroleum systems and the opportunity to register for deep-dive sessions with Staatsolie.

The Basin Studies Workshop is designed for technical experts and industry professionals interested in expanding their knowledge of Suriname’s Basins and meeting directly with representatives from Staatsolie.

The Technical Symposium is designed for geologists, geophysicists, engineers, technologists and business development professionals interested in a multidisciplinary approach to understanding Caribbean Basins, particularly in Northern South America.

Register for the Workshop, the Symposium or both activities to maximize your time in Paramaribo.

 

WEDNESDAY, 30 APRIL – Basin Studies Workshop

08:00-08:10 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Patrick Brunings, Offshore Exploration & Non-Operated Ventures Asset Manager, Staatsolie; SPE Suriname Section Chair, General Co-Chair; Anupama Venkataraman, Guyana/Suriname New Opportunities Manager, ExxonMobil, General Co-Chair
08:10-08:50 A Structural and Tectonostratigraphic Framework of the Nickerie Basin and Surrounding Area
Douglas Paton, Staatsolie
08:50-09:30 Unlocking the Potential of Lower Cretaceous Carbonate Reservoirs in the Guiana Basin
Maneesha Kisoensingh, Arantxa Lieveld; Staatsolie
09:30-10:10 Update of the Basin-wide Gross Depositional Environment, Nohar Poeketie
Zeudi Sontohartono; Staatsolie
10:10-10:50 Controls on Reservoir Quality of the Late Cretaceous Deepwater Sandstones in the Guiana Basin
Arantxa Lieveld, Linda Bonnell, Astrid Makowitz; Staatsolie
10:50-11:10 Coffee Break
11:10-11:50 The Power of Mud Gas Analysis in Detecting Petroleum Migration
Andrew Pepper; University of Houston, T! Ps LLC
11:50-12:30 Incorporating Migration and Pore Pressure Studies in Petroleum System Model
Andrew Pepper; University of Houston, T!Ps LLC
12:30-13:00 Update of the Petroleum System Model in the Demerara Plateau Area
Stephen Wood, Staatsolie
13:00-14:00 Networking Luncheon
14:00-16:30 Deep Dive Sessions**
Private sessions between Staatsolie, IOC representatives and subject matter experts*
*Additional registration required
**These events occur simultaneously
14:45-15:15 Coffee Break
15:00-17:00 Student and Young Professional Session I**
Free and open to all

The Exploration Journey: From Prospect to Development 
Ademola Lanisa, Sadia Manou, TotalEnergies

Panel Discussion: Shaping Tomorrow’s Geoscientists and Engineers Today
Ademola Lanisa, Sadia Manou, TotalEnergies; Anupama Venkataraman, ExxonMobil; Patrick Brunings, Staatsolie 
**These events occur simultaneously
17:30-19:00 Cultural City Tour Organized by Staatsolie*
Open to Basin Studies Workshop and Technical Symposium participants
*Additional registration required
19:00-21:00 Opening Reception and Cultural Night
Open to Basin Studies Workshop and Technical Symposium participants

THURSDAY, 01 MAY – Technical Symposium Day 1

08:00-08:30 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Annand Jagesar, Managing Director, Staatsolie, Honorary Chair; Patrick Brunings, Offshore Exploration & Non-Operated Ventures Asset Manager, Staatsolie; SPE Suriname Section Chair, General Co-Chair; Anupama Venkataraman, Guyana/Suriname New Opportunities Manager, ExxonMobil, General Co-Chair; Sa’id Al-Hajri, Vice President of International Regions, AAPG; Xavier Moonan, Latin America and Caribbean Region President, AAPG 
Session I: Tectonic and Basin Modeling
Session Chair(s): Roy Fitzsimmons, Hess; Christine Roumeas, TotalEnergies
08:30-08:35 Session Chair Introduction
08:35-09:05 The hydrocarbon source rock potential across northern South America: Reconstructions of depositional and generative geochemistry from Venezuela to Suriname
Daniella Gutiérrez (presenter)1 2, Andrew Pepper1 3, Joseph Curiale1, Shawn Wright4, Liliana López5, Salvador Lo Mónaco5, 1University of Houston, 2Chevron, 3T!Ps LLC, 4Hess, 5Universidad Central de Venezuela
09:05-09:35 Drivers of source maturity in the Guyana-Suriname Basin
Thomas Etzel (presenter), Jennifer Shosa, Garry D. Karner, Byrdie Renik, Luciana Tinker; ExxonMobil
09:35-10:05 The Mid Campanian event in the Guyana-Suriname Basin: its role in the basin evolution and Golden Lane success
Mario Moreno-Vega (presenter)1, Roy Fitzsimmons1, Scott Pluim1, Dave Pocknall1, Ross Taylor2, Todd Fishburn1, Lindsay Shanks-Abel1, 1Hess Corp, 2Viridien
10:05-10:30 Coffee Break/Poster and Exhibition Visits
10:30-11:00 Are there Jurassic source rocks in the Guiana–Suriname Basin?
James Pindell (presenter); Tectonic Analysis Ltd., Rice University
11:00-11:30 Redefining the crustal architecture of the Guiana and conjugate margins: impacts on paleogeography and exploration
Douglas Paton (presenter); Tectonknow, Paul Markwick; Knowing Earth
11:30-12:00 Discovery Thinking in Central Atlantic Basins: banishing Petroleum System myths and misconceptions
Andrew Pepper (presenter); University of Houston, 3T!Ps LLC
12:00-12:15 Interactive Q&A with Presenters and Chairs
12:15-13:30 Networking Luncheon
Session II: Emerging Plays Outside the Golden Lane
Session Chair(s): Andrew Royle, Chevron; Sharista Kisoensingh, Staatsolie
13:30-13:35 Session Chair Introduction
13:35-14:05 Unlocking the Potential of the Lower Cretaceous Carbonate Reservoirs in the Guiana Basin, Suriname
Maneesha Kisoensingh (presenter) 1, Arantxa Lieveld1, Benoit Vincent2, 1Staatsolie, 2Cambridge Carbonates
14:05-14:35 Carbonate Evolution and Reservoir Potential in the Late Aptian- Early/Mid Albian in the Guiana Basin, Suriname
Arantxa Lieveld (presenter)1, Maneesha Kisoensingh1, Benoit Vincent2, 1Staatsolie, 2Cambridge Carbonates
14:35-15:05 Assessing the Exploration Potential of Upper Slope Canyons in Shallow Offshore Suriname
Ademola Lanisa, Charlotte Ribes, Vincent Delhaye-Prat, Akash Singh, Ademola Lanisa, Leonardo Caixeta, Jean-Philippe Mathieu, Shiladitya Sengupta; TotalEnergies
15:05-15:35 Coffee Break/Poster and Exhibition Visits
15:35-16:05 Exploration Assessment of Upper Slope Channel-levee Complexes on the north Equatorial Atlantic Continental Margin
Stanley Rich Wharton (presenter); Subsurface Imaging Company Limited
16:05-16:35 Compositional Variability and Seismic Response of Mudstones in the Guyana-Suriname Basin: Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration on the Shelf
Jessica Matthews1, Andrew Royle1 (presenters), Hernan Reijenstein1, Miguel Ascanio Regalado1, Bassel Almoughraby1, Patrick Sullivan2, 1Chevron, 2Colorado School of Mines
16:35-17:05 Rejuvenating the Exploration Focus: Understanding the Stratigraphic Architecture and the Role of Flooding Shales Offshore Suriname – An Integrated Approach
Srinivas Tenepalli (presenter), Camille Ben Miloud, Shiju Jospeh, Charlotte Ribes, Aurele Forge, Christine Roumeas, Vincent Delhaye-Prat, Jean-Philippe Mathieu; TotalEnergies
17:05-17:35 Tracing Hydrocarbon Migration in Offshore Suriname: Insights from Headspace Gas Analysis,
Shahul Hameed, Fatin Tasnim Baharuddin, Zharif Aimi Bt Zulkifli, Caitriona Rayne Keegan; Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd
17:35-17:50 Interactive Q&A with Presenters and Chairs

FRIDAY, 02 MAY – Technical Symposium Day 2

Session III: Field Developments in Challenging Environments
Session Chair(s): Shu Luo, ExxonMobil; Amresh Mohan, SPE Suriname Section
08:00-08:05 Session Chair Introduction
08:05-08:35 Understanding the reservoir architecture of Late Coniacian to Early Campanian Deepwater Deposits Offshore Suriname
Sue-Ellen van Dijk (presenter) 1, Dion Howard1, Vinita Bihariesingh-Raghoenath1, Carl Stark2, Maria Lake2, 1Staatsolie, 2ERCE
08:35-09:05 Causes of Submarine Landslides and Implications of Geohazards in the Guyana Basin
Deron Saul (presenter), Uisdean Nicholson; Heriot-Watt University
09:05-09:35 Improvement of sedimentological models through core-based geological insights
Dion Howard (presenter), Sue-Ellen van Dijk, Vinita Bihariesingh-Raghoenath, Emilie De Loof; Staatsolie
09:35-10:05 Asphaltene deposition and flow assurance evaluation for Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) Pilot wells in Tambaredjo Oil Field
Kimberly Tjadikrama, Staatsolie
10:05-10:15 Interactive Q&A with Presenters and Chairs
10:15-10:35 Coffee Break/Poster and Exhibition Visits
Session IV: Data and Digital Technologies to Optimize E&P
Session Chair(s): Sadia Manou, TotalEnergies
10:35-10:40 Session Chair Introduction
10:40-11:10 Offshore Suriname: Assessment of the Early Passive Margin Carbonate Units
Kyle Reuber (presenter), Yermek Balabekov, Henri Houllevigue; TGS
11:10-11:40 Whose Fault Is It Anyway?
Ronald Daniel (presenter)1, 2Quentin Corlay, 1Staatsolie, 2Eliis SAS
11:40-12:10 Integrating 21st-Century Tools for Basin Mastering: Insights from the Guyana-Suriname Basin
Camille Ben Miloud (presenter), Srinivas Tenepalli, Shiju Jospeh, Charlotte Ribes, Aurele Forge, Christine Roumeas, Vincent Delhaye-Prat, Jean-Philippe Mathieu, Pierre Jousselin, Jeremie Gaillot; TotalEnergies
12:10-12:40 Benefits of high frequency & Realtime data acquisition during a Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) pilot in Onshore Tambaredjo Oilfield, Suriname
Alensia Gambier, Staatsolie
12:40-12:55 Interactive Q&A with Presenters and Chairs
12:55-13:00 Closing Remarks
14:30-16:30 Student and Young Professional Session II

The Evolution of Magmatic Margins - Why They are the Hottest Exploration Targets Today 
Douglas Paton; Staatsolie
Trinidad Mud Volcanoes - Trends & Exceptions
Xavier Moonan, Touchstone Exploration 

POSTERS

P1 Seismic Characterization of Tectonic Features and Geochemical analysis in the Southeastern Demerara Plateau: Comprehensive update of the Regional Geology and Hydrocarbon Exploration
Genevieve Hirschfeld (presenter); Staatsolie
P2 Application of Data Science to optimize and automate Subsurface evaluation process
Bernice Etnel (presenter), Shailesh Kisoensingh, Raidel Djodi, Ricardo Kandhai; Staatsolie
P3 Enhancing Offshore Data Management with the Delfi Digital Interpretation Platform
Ricardo Kandhai (presenter), Vikash Rambaran Mishre, Robert Wessels, Stephanie Sie Tjam Soi; Staatsolie
P4 Evaluation of the non-movable hydrocarbon potential based on seismic interpretation and petrophysical evaluation of the La Tabla Formation in the Yaguará area, Upper Magdalena Valley
Abel Felipe Sandoval Velasco (presenter); Universidad Nacional de Colombia
 
Basin Studies Workshop and Technical Symposium: Maturing Recent Successes While Unlocking New Opportunities in the Guiana Basin and Beyond
Hotel Torarica
Rietbergplein 1
ParamariboParamaribo
Suriname
+597 471-500
 

The Torarica Group of Hotels is pleased to confirm special rates to participants of AAPG’s Suriname 2025 Workshop and Technical Symposium: Maturing Recent Successes While Unlocking New Opportunities in the Guiana Basin and Beyond.

Reservations are available based on availability.

Please complete this online form to book your room.

Online Registration form AAPG April-May 2025

Torarica Hotel and Casino

Hotel Torarica

Standard Rooms
$US 178.00 single  / $US 203.00 double

Executive Rooms
$US 217.00 single / $US 242.00 double

Royal Torarica

Hotel Torarica

Standard Rooms
$US 193.00 single/ $US 218.00 double

Executive Rooms
$US 241.00 single/ $US 266.00 double

Room rates are per night and include tax, service charge and utility fee.

All rooms  include the following amenities:

  • Breakfast buffet
  • Wireless Internet
  • Complimentary toiletries
  • 1.5 liters of water daily
  • One daily non-alcoholic or Alcoholic drink at the bar
  • 25% discount on massages

The above-mentioned rates include: Breakfast buffet | Tax | Service charge | Utility fee | Complimentary Wireless Internet in all rooms & public areas.

Room reservations are based on availability.

Perks:

  • Complimentary Hotel Toiletries
  • 1.5 liters of water daily
  • Free shuttle service from and to the international airport
  • One daily non-alcoholic or Alcoholic drink at the bar
  • 25% discount on massage

For  additional questions, please contact [email protected] and mention code "AAPG".

Visa Information

All travelers wishing to visit Suriname for Tourism purposes (for up to 90 days), are required to previously pay online an Entry Fee ($40USD + $14USD Service Fee) to be admitted to the territory.

The processing time of the Entry Fee may take up to 72 hours and applications are only done online in the following link: Suriname E-Visa | VFS Global | Official partner of the Government of Suriname.

Depending on your nationality, you might require a visa as well. Please review the following link for eligibility: https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/who-can-apply-for-e-tourist-card.

At the airport, the Immigration officials will check if you meet the requirements to enter the country. Take notice of the documents that you must present to the immigration service and avoid misunderstandings:

  • Your valid passport (Must be the same that you use to apply E-VISA and valid for a minimum of 6 months)
  • Your approved E-VISA or Entry Fee (print documents)

Visa and Immigration Requirements

Foreign travelers visiting Suriname for tourism (stays up to 90 days) must obtain a Tourist Card to enter the country. Visitors must apply for the tourist card and pay the entry fee online BEFORE traveling to Suriname. The entry fee costs $US 58 can be paid online only. The application make take up to 72 hours process, so we recommend applying for the tourist card as soon as possible.

Learn more and apply online at Suriname E-Visa Website.  Depending on your nationality, you might require a visa as well. You can visit the Entry Fee website and for requirements and country lists.

Also, as of November 2024, all individuals traveling in and out of Suriname are required to complete an Immigration and Customs Form (ICF). The ICF form requests your tourist card or visa number, so you may want to complete that form after applying for the tourist card or visa. You can complete the form https://icf.sr.

Upon arrival at the airport, all passengers must present the following documents to immigration officials:

  • Passport valid for a minimum of six months (same passport used to apply for the tourist card of visa)
  • Printed copy of your approved e-visa/entry fee payment
  • Proof of yellow vaccination (if traveling from countries where yellow fever transmission is present)
  • Screenshot or printed copy of completed Immigration and Customs Form QR code

Passengers who do not present the required documentation upon arrival will be returned to their country of origin.

Immunization Requirements

Travelers who are arriving within 6 (six) days after leaving or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission must present Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. The certificate must be issued at least 10 (ten) days before arrival in Suriname.

Additionally, all travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and bring their certificate with them.

Travelers planning to visit the interior of Suriname are encouraged to take malaria prophylaxis. Please consult your physician for additional information.

Health Requirements

Travelers who are arriving within 6 (six) days after leaving from or transiting countries with risk of yellow fever transmission need to present a YELLOW FEVER Certificate.

The Yellow Fever certificate must be issued at least 10 (ten) days before arrival in Suriname.

Additionally, all travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and bring their certificate with them.

About Paramaribo

Authentic cultures, an enchanting interior, and unique people from many different origins in one place: Paramaribo!

With a population of roughly 241,000 people, Paramaribo, a former 17th and 18th Century Dutch colonial town, is the capital and largest city of Suriname. Paramaribo’s historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. Its buildings illustrate the gradual fusion of Dutch architectural influence with traditional local techniques and materials.

Enjoy this beautiful gem of a city while attending AAPG’s Suriname 2025 Workshop and Technical Symposium!

Language

While the official language is Dutch, English is widely spoken and understood by most people in Suriname. You might also hear Sranantongo on the streets of Paramaribo, which is an English based creole language.

Climate

The weather in Paramaribo, during April-May is characterized by an average temperature of 27°C (80°F). Highs can soar to 32°C (90°F), while lows may dip to 23°C (73°F). Typically, the humidity level in Paramaribo throughout April-May hovers around 60%.

Visitors should drink water regularly to remain hydrated.

Currency

The Surinamese dollar (SRD) has been the currency of Suriname since 2004. $1 USD is equivalent to approximately $35 SRD.

In Paramaribo some of the ATMs will accept international credit and debit cards and dispense Surinamese Dollars. If you plan to exchange cash in Suriname, bring US dollars or Euros.

Things to Do
  • Visit the well-restored Fort Zeelandia
  • Marvel at works of art at Readytex Art Gallery
  • Discover the South American wildlife at Paramaribo Zoo
  • Visit the magnificent Neveh Shalom Synagogue
  • Spend some quality time with friends or family at the Palmentuin
  • Admire the Dutch architecture of the Presidential Palace of Suriname
  • Visit Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
  • Take a boat tour of the Commewijne River
 
Patrick Loys Brunings Patrick Brunings General Co-Chair - SPE Offshore Exploration & Non-Operated Ventures Asset Manager, Staatsolie Company Suriname N.V.
Anupama Venkataraman Anupama Venkataraman General Co-Chair - AAPG Guyana/Suriname New Opportunities Manager, ExxonMobil
Xavier Ravi Moonan Xavier Moonan Latin American & Caribbean Region President, AAPG Exploration Manager, Touchstone Exploration
Christine Roumeas Christine Roumeas Technical Program Committee Exploration Manager Guyana Suriname Basin, TotalEnergies
Shu Luo Shu Luo Technical Program Committee Reservoir Engineer Advisor, ExxonMobil
Andrew Royle Andrew Royle Technical Program Committee Exploration Coordinator, Suriname and Colombia, Chevron
Sharista Deysha Kisoensingh Sharista Kisoensingh Technical Program Committee Acting Manager Exploration - Offshore Directorate, Staatsolie, Suriname
Amresh Mohan Amresh Mohan Technical Program Committee Board Member, SPE Suriname Section, Suriname
Roy John Fitzsimmons, PhD Roy Fitzsimmons Technical Program Committee Director - Exploration Renewal, Hess, USA
Emily Smith Llinás AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Director
Alejandra López Díaz AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Marketing & Events Coordinator
Paula Ramirez AAPG Events Coordinator
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