The first program in South Kaieteur consisted of 30 water samples (10 locations x 3 depths), Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) at 10 locations, sediment samples and drop camera photography. The second program in Southeast Stabroek consisted of 60 water samples (20 locations x 3 water depths) with Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD), sediment sampling (box cores) and drop camera photography.
The TDI-Brooks vessel earmarked for this project was the R/V Proteus, a multi-use vessel suited for a wide variety of oceanographic research duties. Efforts in Guyanese waters include support from two Guyanese marine mammal observers and a local Guyanese firm who provided stores and supplies for the vessel along with transportation and import/export clearances while working in Guyana.
The Proteus is equipped with satellite communications (voice, fax, and email), differential GPS, geophysical survey gear and large a-frames with high-speed winches for coring or geotechnical work. The Proteus is in ABS class and had an extensive technical refit in 2009 and 2014 making her suitable for extended voyages. Her current configuration allows up to 25 Guests /Scientists and 10 Crew.
ExxonMobil announced its 13th discovery in the Stabroek block called the Yellowtail-1 well on April 2019. The field is estimated to hold over 5.5 billion Boep/d now, is 6.6 million acres (26,800 km2) and is located about 120 miles offshore Georgetown, Guyana. The Stabroek block is classified as one of the most prolific offshore oil potentials in South America and is still growing in reserves.
