In late 2019, Apache’s Maka-1 well offshore Suriname confirmed a significant petroleum corridor linking Guyana and Suriname, marking the emergence of Suriname as a key player in global deepwater exploration. The discovery revitalized the region, previously considered a frontier, into a vital part of the Golden Lane petroleum trend.

From 2015 to 2025, Guyana transformed into a leading oil province following ExxonMobil’s Liza discovery, resulting in significant offshore oil production. With over 11.6 billion recoverable barrels, GDP growth exceeded 35%, and government revenue surpassed $3.5 billion, reshaping the nation’s economy and geopolitical influence in the region.

In December 2019, TotalEnergies entered offshore Suriname’s Block 58 after Apache’s Maka Central-1 discovery revealed significant oil potential. The supermajor acquired a 50% stake for nearly $2 billion, solidifying its role as operator. TotalEnergies’ expertise and capital will drive the region’s development and attract further investments.

Block 58 in offshore Suriname, initially marked by uncertainty after Apache’s CEO resignation in 2019, gained momentum with a landmark oil discovery in January 2020. This pivotal event transformed Suriname’s oil landscape, leading to ongoing developments and reinforcing the importance of understanding historical contexts in energy exploration.