Trinidad and Tobago’s gas sector is making new progress with the Aphrodite, Coconut and Manatee projects, which are intended to strengthen the national supply and support Atlantic LNG’s operations.
Shell’s energy activity in Trinidad and Tobago is gaining momentum with several natural gas developments. National Gas Company (NGC) has finalized agreements related to the Aphrodite and Coconut projects. Additionally, the platform for the Manatee project has begun its transit to the country’s waters.
These developments are expected to bring new gas volumes into production over the next few years. Some of the production will support the local market and downstream industries, while other volumes will contribute to Atlantic LNG’s supply.
Shell and NGC are moving forward with gas projects in Trinidad and Tobago
First, NGC formalized definitive commercial agreements with Shell Trinidad and Tobago related to AphroditeThe project is located in the East Coast Marine Area (ECMA), off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago.
According to the planned schedule, the first gas from Aphrodite will arrive during the second quarter of 2027. To bring these volumes to market, NGC’s pipeline network and associated infrastructure will be used.
The development contemplates an estimated maximum production of approximately 107 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, equivalent to about 18,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
In addition, Shell previously made the final investment decision to develop Aphrodite in Block 5a. As part of the offshore work, Subsea7 was contracted to transport and install subsea equipment at depths of up to 290 meters.
Once in production, the project will allow new volumes to be added to the country’s gas system and complement the supply destined for Atlantic LNG.
NGC secures 50% of the gas for the Coconut project
Meanwhile, NGC confirmed a binding agreement to acquire 50% of the gas volume from the Coconut project, which is scheduled to begin production in the first quarter of 2027.
According to the company, Coconut will contribute approximately 300 billion cubic feet of gas to its portfolio.
The new volumes will be primarily directed towards strengthening the supply to Trinidad and Tobago’s downstream industry. This sector depends on a stable supply of natural gas to maintain its operations.
When the final investment decision for the project was made in 2024, the start of production was already planned for 2027. However, initially only a small portion of the gas would be marketed to NGC.
Following further negotiations with the license holders, the national company managed to secure half of the development volumes.
The Manatee platform departs for Trinidad and Tobago
As supply agreements progress, another Shell offshore project in Trinidad and Tobago enters a new stage.
McDermott reported that the platform destined for the Manatee project left its fabrication shipyard in Altamira and began its transfer to the East Coast Marine Area.
The installation of the structure will allow progress to be made with the development of the field and prepare the necessary infrastructure to incorporate its gas production.
The Manatee project is part of plans to maintain new supplies destined for Atlantic LNG, a central piece of Trinidad and Tobago’s gas infrastructure.
In this way, Aphrodite, Coconut, and Manatee are progressing in parallel toward their respective production stages. These projects broaden the prospects for gas supplyof the country just as Trinidad and Tobago seeks to leverage its existing infrastructure and maintain activity in its energy industry.
Fountain: Offshore Energy
Foto: Shutterstock
