United Oil & Gas Takes Big Steps in Jamaica’s Walton-Morant Basin
In exciting news for Jamaica’s energy landscape, United Oil & Gas has officially been granted a beach licence for the Walton-Morant Basin. This significant development opens the door for seabed sampling operations, a crucial step in exploring the hydrocarbon potential of this offshore area.
What’s the Buzz About the Licence?
The newly acquired licence, which renews annually on April 1, allows United Oil & Gas to conduct piston core surveys in both the forshore and seabed areas. But what does that mean for Jamaica? Essentially, the company will be collecting seabed samples for geochemical analysis. This data is vital for assessing the basin’s potential for hydrocarbons—think oil and gas.
Brian Larkin, the CEO of United Oil & Gas, expressed enthusiasm about this milestone. “This licence is an important step in unlocking the potential of the basin,” he said. Larkin believes that the seabed sampling will not only enhance the company’s technical evaluation but also improve the prospectivity of the licence, making it more attractive for potential farming partners.
A Steady Path Forward
This latest development comes on the heels of the Walton-Morant licence extension to January 2028 and the granting of an environmental permit in July 2025. These steps indicate that United Oil & Gas is making steady progress in its permitting process for the Jamaican exploration programme.
Local residents and environmental advocates are keenly watching these developments. Many are hopeful that responsible exploration could lead to job creation and economic growth. “If done right, this could be a game-changer for our community,” said a local fisherman from Port Antonio, who asked to remain anonymous. “But we need to ensure that our waters remain clean and our livelihoods protected.”
The Importance of Data
The seabed sampling operations are not just about collecting samples; they are about gathering critical data that can help de-risk the licence. By strengthening its technical dataset, United aims to identify possible indicators of hydrocarbons. This is essential for making informed decisions about future drilling and exploration activities.
Experts in the field emphasize the importance of this data. Dr. Marcia Thompson, a marine geologist at the University of the West Indies, noted, “Understanding the geological makeup of the Walton-Morant Basin is key to determining its viability for oil and gas extraction. The more data we have, the better prepared we are for what lies beneath.”
Community Perspectives
The local community is divided on the issue. While some residents are excited about the potential economic benefits, others express concerns about environmental impacts. “We’ve seen what happened in other countries when oil exploration goes wrong,” said a local environmentalist. “We need to prioritize our natural resources and ensure that any exploration is sustainable.”
As the seabed sampling operations get underway, the eyes of Jamaica will be on United Oil & Gas. Will this exploration lead to a new chapter in Jamaica’s energy story? The potential is there, but so are the challenges.
With the future of the Walton-Morant Basin hanging in the balance, one can’t help but wonder: How will this exploration shape the lives of Jamaicans in the years to come?