JAMAICA’s long-running offshore oil exploration effort has entered what operators describe as its most decisive stage yet, with United Oil & Gas plc beginning piston coring operations on the Walton-Morant licence.

The UK-listed explorer announced on Monday that it has completed seabed heat-flow measurements and has now launched stage three of its Surface Geochemical Exploration programme — a phase designed to physically test whether hydrocarbons are present beneath Jamaica’s offshore basins. Up to 42 sediment cores will be taken, primarily within the Walton Basin near the Colibri, Streamertail and Oriole prospects, with additional locations identified in the Morant Basin.

Unlike seismic surveys, which interpret underground structures using reflected sound waves, piston coring retrieves actual seabed sediment samples. These are analysed for thermogenic hydrocarbons — hydrocarbons generated by heat and pressure deep underground. If detected, they would provide direct evidence that Jamaica’s offshore acreage hosts an active petroleum system.

“The completion of heat-flow measurements and commencement of piston coring marks a major step forward in our Jamaica exploration programme,” said chief executive Brian Larkin.

Piston coring is the defining phase of this programme, providing the opportunity to physically confirm the presence of thermogenic hydrocarbons offshore Jamaica.”

Samples will be shipped to Houston, Texas, for laboratory analysis once collection is complete. Operations are expected to last about one week, weather permitting.

Why this matters for Jamaica

Jamaica has pursued offshore oil exploration intermittently for decades, but commercial production has never materialised. The Walton Basin has long been considered geologically promising, though it remains largely underexplored compared with other Caribbean jurisdictions.

Sources: jamaicaobserver.com