ExxonMobil Guyana Limited has awarded Shearwater a contract to conduct a distributed acoustic detection (DAS) program in the Stabroek Block, one of the most active oil-producing areas off the coast of Guyana. The campaign supports a reservoir monitoring study in the Yellowtail development and will last approximately two months.
Furthermore, the project scope includes the acquisition of seismic data from isolated sources to generate baseline data that will allow for the evaluation of reservoir behavior over time. This type of information is crucial for optimizing the management of offshore fields and improving operational decision-making.
DAS technology for advanced reservoir monitoring
DAS technology has become an increasingly popular tool in the oil industry due to its ability to provide continuous information on subsurface conditions. Through fiber optic systems, operators can obtain detailed data on the seismic response of the reservoir and its evolution throughout the field’s productive life.
In this case, the data collected will serve as a baseline for future monitoring campaigns in Yellowtail, one of the strategic developments promoted by ExxonMobil in Guyanese waters.
The SW Empress vessel leads the offshore campaign
To execute the program, Shearwater deployed the seismic vessel SW Empress in a triple-source configuration. This deployment follows the vessel’s participation in a multi-client project in South America, where it has been operating since November 2025.
The vessel’s continued operation allows the company to maximize the use of its assets while maintaining the ability to adapt to different types of offshore seismic acquisition projects.
Shearwater strengthens its presence in the offshore market
According to Irene Waage Basili, CEO of Shearwater, DAS programs offer specific information for monitoring reservoirs throughout the entire life cycle of a field. She emphasized that the combination of proprietary technology, experience in offshore operations, and operational flexibility allows the company to adapt its approach to different work models depending on each client’s needs.
Likewise, the award strengthens Shearwater’s presence in the marine geoscience data acquisition market, a segment that continues to gain relevance as operators seek to improve their knowledge of reservoirs and optimize resource recovery.
Guyana maintains the momentum of its oil developments
The Stabroek block continues to solidify its position as one of the leading growth centers in the global offshore industry. Projects developed in this area have boosted exploration, monitoring, and production activity in Guyana, attracting investment and demand for specialized seismic acquisition services.
With this new contract, ExxonMobil and Shearwater are making progress in generating critical information to support the efficient development of Yellowtail and future operations in the region.
Source: Shearwatergeo
Photo: Shutterstock
