AMERICAN oil giant ExxonMobil is taking more of a backseat with exploration and is now gearing up to shift gears towards production. Guyana Chronicle understands that Exxon will soon utilise the services of Rod Henson, currently based in Argentina and specialising in the production phase of the oil operation.
Henson is expected to take over from current Country Manager, Jeff Simons, who has been heading the local exploration. The company’s Public and Government Affairs Senior Director, Kimberly Brassington, confirmed the new level of operation and change in management.

She explained that Henson would be the new country manager taking the oil giant into the production phase. According to Brassington, Henson would commence work, “on or around May 1,” while Simons is expected to remain as part of the transition exercise.

Exxon has said oil production should commence by 2020. In the meantime, preparation for production will be on the way.

“We start production in 2020, but leading up to that, there will be a lot of activities. Around 2019, we will see a lot of movement… people coming and going.” ExxonMobil has already applied for production license from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and has submitted its production plan.
Only last month, the oil giant reported success drilling the Snoek well, confirming another discovery in the Stabroek Block.

Before that, they confirmed success at their Payara well; the second oil discovery on the Stabroek Block, following the Liza discovery. Exxon has noted that the Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

It was reported last year that exploratory wells off Guyana discovered a “world-class” reservoir with possibility of 1.4 billion barrels of oil.