Written By Oko Immanuel I Wed FEB 18 2026
OffshorepipelineInsight.com
In the vast Atlantic waters off Guyana’s coast lies one of the most exciting stories in global energy today. What began as a frontier exploration play has exploded into a full-scale oil boom, led by ExxonMobil and its partners in the prolific Stabroek Block. As of February 2026, Guyana is already producing around 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) from four operational projects, and the momentum is building fast. Recent updates highlight how the next wave of developments particularly Uaru and Whiptail is progressing ahead of schedule and under budget, poised to push daily output well beyond 1 million bpd this year.
This acceleration isn’t just about numbers; it’s transforming Guyana from one of the poorest countries in the Americas into a rising economic powerhouse, with oil revenues fueling infrastructure, social programs, and even energy transition efforts.
The Stabroek Block: Heart of the Boom.
The Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil (45% stake), with partners Hess/Chevron and CNOOC, holds an estimated nearly 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil equivalent. Since first oil in 2019 from the Liza Phase 1 project, the consortium has delivered four producing developments: Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, Payara, and Yellowtail (which started in 2025 and helped hit the 900,000 bpd milestone).
Uaru and Whiptail: The Next Big Leaps.
The real acceleration comes from the fifth and sixth projects:
- Uaru (fifth development): This $12.7 billion project targets over 800 million barrels of recoverable oil. It features the FPSO Errea Wittu, with mooring pre-installation recently completed and the vessel expected in Guyanese waters soon. Production is slated to start later in 2026 (potentially by year-end early 2027 in some forecasts), adding 250,000 bpd capacity. Recent statements from ExxonMobil executives confirm it’s ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Whiptail (sixth development): Sanctioned in 2024, this project will also deliver 250,000 bpd via a new FPSO (Jaguar). Startup is targeted for 2027, with construction advancing steadily, including subsea pre-commissioning contracts awarded to firms like EnerMech.
Combined, Uaru and Whiptail will boost Guyana’s output to around 1.15 million bpd once Uaru is online, and up to 1.4 million bpd with Whiptail. Forecasts show average production hitting about 840,000 bpd in 2026 (up from 715,000 bpd in 2025), with growth continuing as these projects ramp up.Beyond these, Hammerhead (seventh project, FID in 2025) is set for 2029 startup at ~150,000 bpd, pushing total capacity toward 1.7 million bpd by 2030. An eighth project, Longtail, focuses more on gas and condensate.
Economic Impact and Gas Transition.
Oil revenues are pouring in Guyana expects around $2.79 billion in 2026 from exports, supporting 16.2% GDP growth. The government is channeling funds into homes, roads, education, health, and diversification.A key parallel story is natural gas. ExxonMobil has completed a gas-to-energy pipeline from Liza, set to power a new onshore plant by late 2026, slashing electricity costs and emissions. Hammerhead and future projects include gas export plans, with the government pushing for expanded gas utilization to support industries and reduce fuel oil reliance. Long-term, Guyana aims for 80% renewables by 2040, using oil wealth to fund solar, hydro, wind, and more.
Challenges and Outlook
While the boom brings prosperity, experts warn of risks like the “resource curse” (seen in Venezuela). Guyana’s sovereign wealth fund helps manage revenues, but sustainable governance, diversification, and fair revenue sharing remain critical debates.Still, the trajectory is clear: Guyana’s oil boom is accelerating, driven by efficient execution and massive discoveries. Uaru and Whiptail mark the next chapter, solidifying the country’s place among top global producers.
What do you think will Guyana become the next Norway of the Americas, or face pitfalls along the way? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on this transformative energy story!
Oko M.Eng Petroleum/Subsea Engineer.I Former Roughneck
okoimma1914@mail.com