The Longtail Project marks the eighth offshore development being pursued by ExxonMobil and its partners, Chevron and CNOOC, in the prolific Stabroek Block. This venture is expected to last for approximately 30 years, making it ExxonMobil’s longest-running project offshore Guyana.
Unlike traditional black oil projects, Longtail focuses on the extraction of lighter hydrocarbons – primarily non-associated gas and condensate – a lighter hydrocarbon that attracts a premium on the market.
With an estimated cost of around US$13 billion, the project promises to strengthen Guyana’s oil and gas industry for the future once all regulatory approvals are granted. Below are 12 fundamentals about Longtail as ExxonMobil and its partners gear up to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
- What is the location of the Longtail Project?
The Longtail Project is situated in the southeastern part of the Stabroek Block, approximately 200 km from Georgetown.
- Where will the Longtail Project be utilising resources from in the Stabroek Block?
The Longtail Project will be utilising non-associated gas resources from the Longtail, Tripletail, and Turbot fields in the Stabroek Block.
- How many wells are planned for the Longtail Project?
The project plans to drill between 24 and 60 wells to optimise resource extraction.
- When is production expected to begin?
Production is projected to start in 2030.
- What is the anticipated lifespan of the Longtail Project?
The project is designed to operate for approximately 30 years, making it ExxonMobil’s longest-running development in the area.
- What is the daily gas production capacity?
The project aims to produce about one billion cubic feet (1 Bcf) of gas per day.
- What is the expected daily condensate production?
Condensate production is expected to be around 250,000 to 290,000 barrels per day.
- What is the condensate’s nature and quality?
Condensate is a lighter, more refined hydrocarbon, appearing clear like water or alcohol, and typically commands a premium price in markets.
- How is condensate utilised and processed?
Refineries use condensate to produce higher-end fuels like gasoline and jet fuel, extracting premium products through refining.
- What is the storage capacity for condensate of the FPSO envisioned for the project?
The FPSO will be capable of storing approximately two million barrels of condensate.
- How often will condensate be offloaded from the FPSO?
Offloading is expected to be scheduled every 3 to 5 days during production.
- How many personnel will support the Longtail Project during the peak drilling and installation stages, and how does this number change during the production phase?
During the peak drilling and installation stages, approximately 1,200 offshore personnel will support ExxonMobil Guyana Limited. This number decreases to fewer than 200 personnel during the production phase.