Category: Petroleum Exploration

Geology students 1969 and staff of Leiden. My study buddies. Southern England stratigraphy excursion.

This post in view of our 50-Years-Anniversary on September 07, 2019 in Schokland, Holland. Many of us have not seen each other for decades. For this gathering 4 are traveling from distant places as Australia, Bulgaria and France. Previous to this event we all unveil our own half century story, so time for an update.

Leidse Universiteit, Faculteit Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappen – Subfaculteit der Geologie en Geofysica.

Geologisch en Mineralogisch Instituut (nu ” ‘t Kruitschip ” appartementen genaamd), Garenmarkt 1B, Leiden, studiejaar 1969 (alias Sixty Nine’ers).

Marcel Chin-A-Lien

Petrologie & Ertsgeologie, Leiden & Amsterdam, 1969-1977

Ingeniero Geólogo, Venezuela, 1982

Executive M.B.A., Mergers & Acquisitions, USA, 2000

M.Sc. Management Oil Business, Amsterdam, 2001

www.mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com

La Bella Italia, La Dolce Vita

Zes maanden doctoraal veldwerk in Italië, Cottische Alpen, met mijn Citroen 2CV besteleend, trouwe buddy sinds mijn 1ste studiejaar.

Bivakkerend op 2020 m. hoogte naast het iconisch berghotel Rifugio Bergeria Selleries. Situato nella conca dell’Alpe nel cuore del Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè. Met Wilbert en zijn vrouw Josely, gr8 nostalgic times.

Idyllische kampeerplek en geologisch bijzonder interessant studiegebied. Eerst onderdeel van de Ligurische oceaan in het Jura. Vervolgens high pressure subducted onder de Apulische plaat. Daarna gelukkig weer de kop opgestoken, dus obducted/educted als dekblad naar zijn huidige de plek. Hunkerend om bestudeerd te worden voor de Leidse Dora Maïra boys.

Vloeiend Italiaans geleerd, certamente, la piu bella lingua nel mondo. En lasting vriendschap gesmeed met Marisa en Silvana van Selleries. Silvana’s zoon is nu asistent professor in Groningen.  Gli amici italiane da sempre, adesso anche in Olanda.

In het nabije gebied karteerden ook trouwe makkers André, Arie en Ray.

Further,

https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/bella-italia-rifugio-bergeria-selleries-piemonte/

http://www.rifugioselleries.it

http://www.lastampa.it/2016/05/02/multimedia/societa/come-parlare-litaliano-con-le-mani-guida-turistica-fa-impazzire-gli-usa-BA40txTlmyFw104p0GrzII/pagina.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syc78JzHGTs

I Ragazzi Olandesi, Dora Maïra Boys

Enerverende dolce vita nella bella Italia. Certamente, caríssimi amici, ciao a tutti. Pasta, pizza, vino.

Remembering also the leisure escapes to the Italian Riviera and Monaco.

Wilbert & Josely, you will certainly recall. Barolo, Barbera, Lacrima Cristi wines, you were on honeymoon.

Closing with an Italian round trip, a cultural discovery voyage after fieldwork.

Moving to Venezuela, 1977-1989

Na afstuderen meteen gerold in een interesante baan bij de Geologische Dienst van Venezuela. Goud exploratie in het Precambrisch Schild. Most interesting, wow, hier had ik immers voor gestudeerd.

https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/5-guyana-gold-mine/

This decade coincided with the golden oil boom of Venezuela, with Caracas as La Sucursal del Cielo. Similar to the prevailing ambience in A moveable feast in Paris, from Ernest Hemingway, pura fiesta y parrandas.

In 1980 gestapt in de olie, petroleum exploratie en productie in Petróleos de Venezuela met veelbelovende lange termijn carrière perspectieven. 

Een klassiek traject doorlopen, bottoms-up, hands-on across the ranks. Beginnende in iconic Maracaibo basin met veldwerk, putten boren, olievelden ontdekken. Doorstromend naar Research & Development instituut Intevep en hoofdkantoor.

Venezuela, La Sucursal del Cielo

A gifted place, most studied in tedious textbooks in Leiden now in my hands and at my footsteps, amazing.

Amazing and gifted indubitably? 6 Miss world, 7 miss universe titles. Precious, fashionable and elegant women, everyday, everywhere, really, unique, wow.

Geluk en succes gehad by contributing to the discovery van 2 giant oil fields.

6 Miljard vaten olie, a damned amount of oil.

More than all found in hotspot Guyana-Suriname basin, more than ever to be found in Holland. Tevens enige landmark petroleum publicaties.

https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/ceuta-tomoporo-giant-field-discovery/

Geluk en succes bovenal gehad met de giant discovery van mijn lieve, lovely en loyale echtgenote María. Ontdekt en getrouwd in Caracas.

Ze is van alles voor mij. Esposa, amante, amiga, confidente, moeder en ook kunstschilderes, all-in-1.

Zoonlief Ronald heeft gelukkige spaanssprekende kinderjaartjes doorgebracht in Caracas. Vervolgens in NL, altijd blijmoedig en de fortuinlijke winnaar van de Faas Wilkes award als talentvolle voetbal jeugdspeler. Heeft op Universiteit Leiden gestudeerd.

De Caracazo, een golf rellen, schietpartijen en bloedbaden in Caracas in februari 1989, was mijn duidelijke alarmbel voor het laatste rondtje.

Time to move on diligently, carajo, se termino la fiesta.

Zie 30 jaar later, de suïcidale afgrond waarin Venezuela zich gestort heeft door ontspoorde machtspotentaten. From riches to rags. An emaciated dystopia.

Result ?

Precies als in Cronica de una muerte anunciada, thriller van Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Mijn lievelingschrijver sinds bewoner van Huize Maupertuus, gelegen schuin tegenover het vroegere huis van dichter Piet Paaltjens in Leiden.

https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/gabriel-garcia-marquez-ultima-carta/

https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/8-por-si-acaso-no-regreso/

Europe and other places, 1990 – Present

Nieuwjaar 1990 Den Haag binnengerold met een pracht baan als chief geologist bij een Amerikaanse oliemaatschappij. Hunt Dynasty familiebedrijf uit Dallas, van biljonairs Herbert, Bunker en zusters.

Petroleum zoeken, produceren, dus make money met technische en business-commercial development expertise, de hele cocktail.

Outperforming major competitors in Dutch North Sea, with hugh gas discoveries in this super mature basin as with iconic G17, the only major stratigraphic trap.

Straightforward, korte, snelle beslissingslijnen.

De afleveringen van Dallas tv soapserie met hoofdrolspeler J.R., gebaseerd op hun olie saga weleens gezien ?

Gelukkig had ik een breed scala aan verantwoordelijkheden met veel autonomie.

Geology & Geophysics offshore taken. Met business-commercial development, merger, acquisitions, new ventures. Zoals in Hongarije, California, Moskou en Siberië tijdens Gorbachov time. Never a quiet or dull moment.

” Upgrade to an allround expert, Herbert informed me “, gevolgd door drie jaar studie, executive business administration, petroleum management en Russisch, bovenop mijn normale werkweek. Dus weer 2 M.Sc. bullen gehaald, nu op mijn 51ste, continual development of knowledge, competencies and skills.

Exciting time with many tales along the road. With the Hunt’s to Moscou and Siberië. Hunting for business in times of communism. 

Anecdotes, beginning in Dallas in their impressive oak boardroom with mahogany oval table and leather chairs in their Thanksgiving Tower skyscraper. And during lunches in elite Dallas Petroleum Club.

Then when Herbert whispered, with a malicious eyewink, “ Indeed, you made sure we get the big bang for our invested bucks “. While toasting Russian style with bottles of wodka at breakfast. Sealing the deal with the board of Tomsk Neft, in Strezhevoy, in the middle of Dostoyevsky’s Siberia.

Consultant sinds 2005

Simultaan pensioen en consultancy binnengestapt na 3 decennia iedere dag hard bikkelen. Niet voorgoed de ballen ermee, geen geraniums of zwarte gaten bestuderen, nog niet.

Most happy and free like a bird on a wire.

Great time, alleen uitdagende, succesvol uitvoerbare projecten met een degelijk consultancy contract.

Zoals voor Repsol vanuit head office Madrid, als upstream business development manager, olievelden evalueren en kopen.

Stewardship voor het 2 miljard US$ bod op een West Afrikaans olieveld. En deelname aan een licensing round en NLG project in Nigeria.

Madrid and Spain ?

Excelente sitio, cultuur, gastronomie, mode en uitgaansleven everyday, a big city with a most exiting vibe. 

Tasca’s, restaurants, flamenco, corrida’s de toros, art exhibitions, Real Madrid in Bernabeu met Robben, van Nistelrooy and regularly getting kicked out at closing time in Cafe Bohemio at 04:00 a.m..

Great time.

Certainly with the company’s grand penthouse in the financial district and accompanying executive business credit card, wow, good to have one.

De Madrid para el Cielo.

Suriname, Staatsolie 

Heel offshore onderzocht, gepromoot, petroleum contracten opgesteld en onderhandeld met international oil companies. Dit jaar dus de 1ste grote offshore discovery met de Kankantrie put, hopelijk.

Bijdrage mogen leveren aan het bepalen van de Extended Continental Shelf grens. Maximum extension possible obtained, from the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, in N.Y..

Staatsrechtelijk uiterst belangrijk historisch moment. Nu zijn al de landsgrenzen immers definitief vastgesteld. Privileged that I could serve Sranankondre, geboorteland van mijn ouders.

https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/28-suriname-outer-limits-of-the-continental-shelf/

Paramaribo, further ?

Vruchtbare tijd op het werk en als mentor, afstudeercommissie lid van mijn thesis studenten op de universiteit, zelf ook veel geleerd. 

Daarnaast chillen, all the time.

Met de talloze vrienden en familieleden van mijn ouders’ kant. Etentje hier, uitstapje daar, feestje hier, toevallig daar.

Super great to have loving, supportive family around. Also Maria painting at Nola Hatterman Art Academy, preparing her exposition Tribute to Suriname and all chilling in Torarica country club.

Ook iedere maand een weekend naar geboorte-eiland Curacao.

Salseros por fin ?

Oiga mi gente, ahora somos salseros. Porque sin salsa no hay paraíso, si señor.

Twee jaar intensieve wekelijkse lessen gevolgd, de salsa & bachata cursussen bij 4 dance academies.  Workshops, oefenen, up to 8 hours weekly.

Fun?

Damned hard and tedious work for old-timers, in Friolandia, Curaçao en Colombia, meestal met jongeren. 

Now graduated salseros. With lots of shines, smiles and moves at dance parties everywhere. To keep on moving with the thrill of fun.

A bailar se dijo, a mover los pies y las caderas, wow, a gozar mi preciosa mamita.

Listen and enjoy  https://youtu.be/k2wey5o2yBc

https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/salsa-bachata-dancing-development-communication-skills/

Finally 

Tribute aan mijn studiegenoten.

Van de allereerste petroleum geoloog, in history, van dushi Curacao. 

You were great study buddies, enjoyed your company, very grateful for that.

Especially Wilbert, André, Jan Willem, trouwe brothers-in crime.

Last but not least, Ray en Willem, both in Heaven.

Further 

In winter when things get rough in Fríolandia ?

Liggend onder een wuivende palmboom, in mijn favoriete Pirate Bay Curacao Beach Club, met een Cuba libre longdrink in mijn hand, swingende salsa en sensuele bachata muziek met graciously moving ladies all around.

Zwemmend in de azuurblauwe heldere zee en denkend aan Holland ?

http://piratebaycuracao.com/nl/

“ …zie ik breede rivieren, traag door oneindig, laagland gaan, rijen ondenkbaar ijle populieren, als hooge pluimen, aan den einder staan, en in de geweldige ruimte verzonken, de boerderijen, verspreid door het land…”

” Flashback 50 Years Search of  Wisdom & Happiness ” 

Life’s been good to me and to us.

Love lots of people. Lots of people love us.

Love is all you need.

We luv you All,

dearest family, mom at 102 years super luminous as ever, cooking daily for us and kicking around, dad & Armand R.I.P., many friends, family all around the world.

Thank’s God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y8WyJGMMyQ

( What am I living for, Vicky-Anne)

Retrospective when the End comes near

“ And now that the End comes near 

I’ve lived a life that’s full

I’ve traveled each and every highway

But more, much more than this

I did it my way

Regrets, I’ve had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did it my way “.

I rest my case.

Social Media

EyeEm photo app. Precious 1000+ pictures

FB site ” You Know You”ve Lived in Curacao if..”. Most funny conversations and nostalgic musings with pics from my Rots der Struikeling.

FB site “Maupertuus “.  Mijn oude studentenhuis, Hogewoerd 76, Leiden. Celebration Lustrum XI ” Oudhuisgenotendag “, next 15 September 2019

YouTube channel. www.mar-petroleumexploration.com

WhatsApp group ” MIL 1968 Reunie “. Klasgenoten HBS-B, Maria Immaculata Lyceum, Korsow. Next meeting jan. 2020 on Korsow

Further miscellaneous, pendejadas, on

LinkedIn, Twitter and

www.mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com

Makkers,

7 September 2019, 11 a.m.:

50 Jaren later. 

15 Batavieren bovenop een oer-Hollandse terp.

In Schokland, de geometrisch-abstracte-Mondriaanse Noordoostpolder.

Mijmeren, filosoferen over verleden, heden en toekomst ?

” Yesterday is dead and gone and tomorrow is out of sight “, as ever.

Enjoy Today, que esta Vida es Una (1) no mas.

Marcel

(Yesterday when I was young, Charles Aznavour,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpJLtQmIv4o)

Lijst 22 jaargenoten 1969 en afstudeerrichting

Participanten (15) Reunie 7 september 2019, in Schokland, Noordoostpolder en Urk.

1. Apon, Willem – Drs. Sedimentologie
2. Berg, Rick (Perth, Australië) – Drs. Petrologie & Ertsgeologie
3. Bergval, Ray (R.I.P., 2016, Paramaribo, Suriname) – Drs. Petrologie & Ertskunde
4. Chin-A-Lien, Marcel – Drs. Petrologie & Ertskunde – Ingeniero Geologo -Executive M.B.A – M.Sc. Petroleum Management
5. de Jong, Ivan (R.I.P., 2018, Rotterdam) – Drs. Strukturele Geologie
6. de Nes, Sicco (R.I.P, 2009, Den Haag)- Drs. Sedimentologie
7. Hallebeek, Hans – Drs. Geologie (Leiden & Barcelona)
8. Hocks, Wilbert – Petrologie
9. Krieg, Josje – Migrated to other study
10. Pronk, Jan Willem – Drs. Sedimentologie
11. Reijmer, Arthur – Dr. Strukturele Geologie
12. Schaap, Arie (Perth, Australië)– Drs. Petrologie & Ertskunde
13. Swager, Cees (Perth, Australië) – Dr. Structurele Geologie
14. van der Marel, Antonie (Bulgarije) – Drs. Stratigrafie
15. van der Meulen, André – Drs. Petrologie & Ertskunde
16. van der Molen, Ide – Dr. Strukturele Geologie
17. van Put, Edward – Drs. Petrologie & Ertskunde
18. van Put, Jos -Drs. Petrologie & Ertskunde; Mr. Rechten
19. van Roermund, Herman – Dr. Strukturele Geologie
20. van Tongeren, Peter – Drs. Stratigrafie
21. Vlugt, Willem  (Nimes, Frankrijk) – Drs. Sedimentologie
22. Vreeburg, Willem (R.I.P., 2017, Leiden) – Drs. Sedimentologie

39. Guyana – Orinduik Petroleum Agreement

Inserted April 2019:

https://oilnow.gy/featured/tullow-confirms-guyana-2019-campaign-with-three-well-programme-set-to-begin-in-q2/

How much money could (would) Guyana get from its Orinduik Profit Share ?  Based on 2.9 billion BOE (Gross P50) reserves.

From “Rags to Riches”, “a nation that did not expect to win the lotto”, “soon to be the richest corner of South America”.

1. Petroleum Agreement signed 14th Jan. 2016
2. One year after Liza giant discovery, May 2015
3. And 5 months before 27th June, 2016:
4. When ExxonMobil’s original contract (June 14, 1999) was re-negotiated (though, just few items, such as 2% Royalty instead of 0 %)
5. Royalty is only 1 %, and, in addition…is included in the profit share of the Government (Article 15.6):
6. wowww…how beautifully negotiated and also obtained…by the IOC…Two-in-one, for one price. What a bargain.
7. Monthly Profit Oil Share, with increasing production from 50% – up to 60 % (Article 11.4)
8. 2.9 billion BOE (Gross P50) reserves
9. This Contract is ” similar ” in many aspects to the ExxonMobil contract.
10. The royalty is even lower (1% vs. 2%).
11. Company Total exercises option to acquire 25% Working Interest in the Orinduik Block, offshore Guyana, from Eco Atlantic (Guyana) Inc. (13 September 2018).
12. WI’s in the Orinduik License will now be as follows: 
13. Tullow 60% (Operator); Total 25%; Eco Guyana 15%
14. Question ?
15. Did Guyana seize this opportunity to negotiate a better, upgraded, ” proven basin ” profit share formula ?
16. (inserted: Guyana accepted Total’s farm-in end october 2018. Did they upgrade their profit share to proven basin level ???).
17. Covering at least the intended Total 25% WI farm-in portion.
18. That still has to be officially accepted and approved by Guyana ?
20. FYI, my opinion:
21. Orinduik PA presents similar crucial pitfalls, loopholes and omissions as the ExxonMobil PA.
22. Analyzed and indicated in various of my blogs and on Linkedin
24. How much money could (would) Guyana get from its Orinduik Profit Share ?
25. Based on published Gross P50 reserve numbers
26. Make your own fiscal – economic runs
27. If adapted, upgraded to ” Proven Basin PA Clauses “.
28. Thus, increased profit share formula and royalty (e.g. 6 %)?
29. How many billions US$ extra in entitlement and profit share ?
30. With 2.9 billion BOE:
31. 1% Royalty = X bbls/US$
32. 6% Royalty = 6X bbls/US$
33. How many billion US$ does this represent ?
34. XX or YYY billion US$
35. Just calculate yourself.
36. How many (2 digits? 3 digits??) billions US$ you have won / lost….with this deal…
37. Faîtes vos jeux
39. Disclaimer
40. These are solely my own personal musings
41. To Whom may be interested
42. To Whom it might be of fair and constructive use
43. As an independent petroleum advisor.
44. Also see 9 Guyana contracts on https://www.resourcecontracts.org/search?q=&country%5B%5D=GYr

38. Guyana Petroleum Agreements

Guyana Department of Public Information.

dpi.gov.gy/contracts/ : 9 Contracts @ August 9, 2018

http://dpi.gov.gy

https://www.resourcecontracts.org/search?q=&country%5B%5D=GY (9 Guyana contracts)

 

37. Geo-Art: Pangaea Sunsets et al.

These paintings in acryl were created by my dear wife. She is a painter and artist as well, within others.

She studied at art academies in Venezuela, the Netherlands, Spain, Madrid.

Also Suriname, Paramaribo at Nola Hatterman Art Academy. With guidance of Wilgo Vijfhoven and Rinaldo Klas. Two well known, colourful local and international well-known artists, both with their own unique art style.

She is really fascinated by painting geological features in an expressionistic style in her creations. This inspired by the fact that we talk a lot about geology, petroleum exploration etc. etc.

36. Geo-Art: Liza in 2008. Deep Sea Fans and Canyon Heads

Enjoy, Geo-Art.

36. Geo-Art: Liza in 2008. Deep Sea Fans and Canyon Heads

Deep sea fans and canyon head deposits on the Continental Shelf, Guiana-Suriname Basin, 2008.

This is geo-art based on petroleum exploration geosciences.

Acryl paintings made in 2008.

Eight years before giant Liza 2015 offshore discovery. She was still on the waiting list. ” In-statu-nascendi “. Patiently waiting to be magnificently drilled and discovered by ExxonMobil.

An artistic expression of already a common situation offshore Guiana-Suriname Basin.

In my geo-mind ?

I had already imagined, constructed, admired, cherished and unveiled them.

Representing the giant Berbice canyon and its head, funnelling and guiding prospective turbidites. Slope, channel complexes and deeps fans. That were supplied by their provenance area on the Guyana Shield hinterland. Debouching and deposited via mainly 3 canyons, on the continental slope and splaying further onto the abyssal plain deep offshore.

From Lower Cretaceous times onwards.

Much later to become very popular leads, prospects and eventually giant petroleum fields, in 2015. In the Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments. Sparking the ongoing Black Gold Rush.

These paintings were hanging on the walls of my office in Staatsolie.

Simple.

The play concept and petroleum habitat. Beautifully painted in acrylic. Impressionism, Vincent Van Gogh style ?

Already in 2008.

Pre-discovery time ?

” Petroleum is first found in the mind of the explorer “.

Of

Liza…and 12 others, at April 2019, already 5.5+ billion bbls recoverable reserves,

some 15 remaining propects just in Stabroek License,

Orinduik, much more to come.

Also in nearby licenses and in Suriname (Block 58).

Soon.

Why ?

I had the privilige to work on the whole Guiana-Suriname Basin for an extended time. Serving also Staatsolie, Suriname as an exploration advisor.

Part of this technical work I presented in december 2009. On offshore Guiana-Suriname Basin. A summary of the whole gamut of play types, leads and their prospectivity. In tandem herewith the newly re-defined licence blocks on offer in Suriname, then mainly open. This in line of the strategy to actively promote offshore Suriname to IOC’s. Now most fortunately most licensed. Even Demerara High area.

With.

Excellent PSC’s.

Mind you. No fuzzing and fighting. No public discussions. No uncertainties. All transparent. Black on white. Professionally. Signed.

Beforehand, of course, a most clear view and strategy. A pre-defined level playing field set. What exactly do we want. What exactly we do not want. Who do we want. Who do we not want. Like it or not. No complaints. Negotiated, give and take, no-yes-no-yes-no-Yezzz. Agreed, mutually, sure-about-it? Yes, signed, silent and go for it.

Simple.

Staatsolie, is a unique role model. For developing countries. Founded and grown up from scratch. Within others by geologist Dr. Eddie Jharap himself, the first and longstanding managing director. Please read his interesting book and biography on how he did it. Awesome.

Staatsolie now?

A grown-up and fully respected oil firm. With both technical and managerial grounded expertise in the whole value chain of oil and gas. Amazing, they did it on their own, they did it their way. Silently.

 Dr. Jharap was about to finish his studies with structural geologist professor L.U. de Sitter. When I arrived as a green rookie at our mutual Alma Mater, Leiden.

My presentation was in Trinidad, Port of Spain during the Caribbean Energy Conference.

These 2 paintings were created by my dear wife. She is a painter and artist as well, within others. She studied at art academies in Venezuela, the Netherlands, Spain, Madrid. Sranankondre, Paramaribo at Nola Hatterman Art Academy, with guidance of two well known, splendid and colorful local artists, Wilgo Vijfhoven and Rinaldo Klas.

She accompanied me during the presentation. Is really fascinated by the dynamics of the canyons, turbidites and deep fans.

These paintings were made by her on my request.

First presented, during her art exhibition titled ” A Tribute to Suriname ” in April 2010. Together with other 25 paintings. In Paramaribo, Suriname. Sponsored by the Embassy and Consulate of Venezuela, that has a special cultural area and building, such as for art expositions.

I wish to share it with you, enjoy.

As an art lover, contantly stepping in and out of museums, art galleries etc. etc., wherever I go and can go. Since being a kid at high school, till now I have never seen any other oil or acryl paintings of this subject. Not even in my favourite museum in Amsterdam. Van Gogh museum. Neither in the Palazzo degli Uffizi della bella Firenze. Of course.

Though?

A few neat hand drawings (no, not computer generated) of him, Poet, paleontologist and also mining engineer. His interesting sketches and notes on geology in general are conserved today at the archive in Weimar. Mr. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. 

Sure, sure, sure. Almost forgot him. Sorry, before quitting. The greatest genius all times. Even though he never painted or published on relativity theory, quantum mechanics and black holes.

He was not just a great painter.

He was also a brilliant geologist,

as the latest instalment of an interactive series on his drawings revealed. Rocks pile and gather and disintegrate in mountains, caves, strata and screes in his paintings. The two versions of his picture of The Virgin of the Rocks in the National Gallery’s exhibition of his art glory in two different imaginary caverns. Each with its own rich earthscape of stone perforated and sculpted by wind and water. But he did not only look at stone from a painter’s point of view. It was not a background feature in his eyes. It was a scientific problem.

As a geologist he anticipated the scientists of the 18th and 19th centuries who were to prove that the Earth is far older than it says in the book of Genesis. When scientific pioneers around 1800 recognised fossils for what they are, traces of ancient animal, and analysed the processes that create and erode rocks, they quickly reached a set of conclusions that led to Darwin’s theory of evolution and a crisis of Christianity. But amazingly, this self-taught researcher thought through a lot of their key discoveries. Hundreds of years earlier ?

Leonardo da Vinci

Further.

If you have seen other Liza subsurface discoveries in oil or acryl paintings ? Please let me know, a reference of the artist and/or a picture. Who knows yourself are a geo-artist as well ? Would like to see them. Many thanks in advance.

Geo-Art.

Enjoying the subsurface discoveries, also in art paintings on the wall.

 

35. Curaçao Seroe Domi Fm. – Reservoir Analog Perla Giant Field 

Contents (12):

1  Introduction

2  Intermezzo.  Analogs, home-made.

3  Perla reservoir carbonates

4  Korsou wishful thinking

5  Island in the sun

6  Cerro Mansinga – Seroe Domi Fm. & Basement: Perla analog

7  Caracas Baai – Seroe Domi Fm.& Basement: Perla analog

8  Curacao Stratigraphic Column

9  Venezuela Onshore Analogs of Offshore Perla Field ?

10 Kinematic reconstruction of the Caribbean region since the Early Jurassic

11 Major Hydrocarbon Plays in the Caribbean and Northern South America

12  Basement of Aruba and Curacao

13  El último Romántico – Doble RR – Video & prcious son

14. Paraguaná – Geology – Datapack pdf.

15. Aruba, Well Bon Bini. Dry Hole ?

 

1. Introduction

The Perla giant gasfield in Venezuela, Paraguaná, contains 17 TCF of gas and condensate (OHIP > 2000 MBOE).

It is the largest offshore gas field in Latin America. A world-class supergiant discovery.

Perla-1X discovery well in 2009 encountered a 240 m (775 ft) hydrocarbon column. Production testing yielded high quality gas, with a capacity of 600,000 cu m/d (circa 3,700 boe/d) and 500 b/d of condensate.

Curacao and especially Aruba are located near to the giant Perla gas field and are an integral part of the Falcon-Bonaire Basin.

Analog of the Perla field reservoirs (carbonate platform with isolated islands) is the Seroe Domi Formation on Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire. They are of the same Neogene (Oligo-Miocene) age.

The Seroe Domi Fm. carbonates are part of the same large carbonate platform and ramp geologic setting of the Perla reservoirs. This based on their paleogeographic position when they were formed, in Oligo-Miocene time within the Falcon-Bonaire basin.

Seroe Domi Fm. has abundant outcrops on Curaçao where it is up to 350 meters thick.

2. Intermezzo. My two “ beau motifs “. Seroe Domi and Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

Seroe Domi itself is a small, lovely nostalgic hill located next to our parents house, kneeled at its foothills. A site where we were priviliged to grow up. Our extended garden and playground, where we indulged much time recreating, strolling and crawling. With my brothers, cousins, extended family, friends, the whole crew.

It exercises a commanding presence over the area around it.

A really awesome 360 degrees view of the Curacao landscape, when sitting on the top, with the trade winds graciously blowing through your sleek hairs and around your face.

The site of my first geological discovery trips, where I got infused by the ” geology & geo-mania ” exploration virus. Inescapably struck by all the interesting corals and fossils that I could admire while swimming in our stunning beaches and in the nice caves where we played. ” How the heck come that I can find the same corals of the beach up here on this hill. Who did this and how, I thought ?”

Our stage play as little bandits and outlaws, just as in Bonanza, the black & white classic western tv series en vogue. Discoverers or even autochthonous Arawak indians fighting and repelling the intruding malevolent Dutch pirates. While on our Seroe Domi.

Looking out from our boys room at home, such as now when visiting my dearest 100+ years mother, the Seroe Domi still is our lifetime best friend and twin companion.

Our hill therefore occupies a prime place in my memory lane. A role analogous to the Montagne Sainte-Victoire to Paul Cézanne in Provence, France. His preferred “ beau motif ” so often painted straight from his art studio and house. The famous French post-impressionism artist, of whom I became a big fan.

Seroe Domi “ Beau Motif “.

Miocene limestone Seroe Domi & Jurassic limestone Mont Sainte-Victoire. Both are both carbonate platform and impressionism beau motif analogs. United in my geo-mind ? Grown up in the geological and artistic setting of two famous analogs.

The geologic habitat of my parents home ?

Similar to the habitat of Perla giant field ? Also an analog?

Standing on basement (Curacao Lava Formation: Cretaceous volcanic rocks, diabaas or pillow lava basalts; see Annex 1). Invisibly (…only visible for geologists though…) followed by some 65 million years of geologic history. Not represented by any rocks, on this particular spot (eroded?). Unconformable overlain by our beloved Miocene Seroe Domi formation.

Where ?

This regional unconformity (Venezuela, Antilles etc.), juxtaposing the 2 formations, is located at 2 minutes walking from home. Situated exactly where the pole without the precious streetname, “Gouverneur van Lansbergenweg”, is located.

Please note that many poles with ” street names ” in my little paradise still suffer from severe dementia and/or Alzheimer. Sorry about that. Who knows the proceeds of a Perla-like discovery offshore Curacao could help to resolve this little problem. For this moment use your updated world Garmin Navigator.

Further.

3. Perla reservoir carbonates

On a larger macro scale the basins that surround Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire in fact were part of the greater Falcon-Bonaire Basin.

Note the regional extension of very thick Perla Limestone reservoir rocks (up to 2400 ft/ 800 m. thick). They extend and thicken to the north and east. The Seroe Domi Fm. on Curaçao (Aruba, Bonaire) is part of the ” Main Carbonate Platform/Ramp with Paleohighs Setting ” of the Perla Giant Field reservoir rocks. Aruba is located in the NE corner of the map. Curaçao is located farther east.

Aruba has limestones equivalent to the Miocene shallow water Cauderalito member of Falcon Basin (central and western parts), Venezuela. This bioclastic limestone, up to 500 ft thick and deposited unconformable on the basement, is the lowermost Miocene horizon of the Agua Clara formation

The upper Agua Clara member is the source rock that has generated the oil discovered in offshore La Vela Bay, Venezuela. It is a thick, dark grey shallow neritic shale with oil prone kerogen.

Another source rock exists in Falcon basin (northeast part), of the same age (“twin brother or sister”) as the upper Agua Clara member in Central Falcon. The Aguide shales and marls of the San Lorenzo formation (Lower Miocene, part of the Agua Salada Group). These are all impregnated with petroleum, even the shells of the foraminifera.

In Perla gas field geochemical analysis show that most of the gas was of thermogenic and probably sourced by Early Tertiary rocks from the west flanking deep Urumaco trough and its petroleum kitchen.

La Vela Bay is an offshore extension of the Falcon Basin. La Vela Bay is separated by a main fault from Paraguana positive area, that was source of clastic sediments. An exploration program of 13 wells, started in 1966 resulted in 5 discoveries. Three oil producers (nr. 2,5,13), one gas producer (nr. 12) and one oil and gas producer from two different zones (nr. 4).

Falcon onshore has a proven petroleum habitat with a lot of producing oil wells and oil seeps (such as Mene de Acosta).

In La Vela Bay the Miocene lies unconformable (regional Caribbean platform unconformity) on Cretaceous basement (phyllite and gneis) or on continental red beds of suspected Oligocene age (E.Vasquez, WPC-16217,1975). Analogous to Curacao.

Perla look-alike leads, prospects and fields could be present in offshore basin(s) surrounding Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire. These cover some 3000 km2. It is an extensional basin with a sea depth of max. 6560 ft, where a very thick pile of some 23,000 ft. of Tertiary sediments was deposited.

4. Korsou Whishful Thinking

They are patiently waiting, since Curaçao was discovered by Alonso de Ojeda in 1498, specifically for catalysts? The leads, prospects and possible giant fields? Such as for interested foreign oil firms with clever, smart and creative explorationists that dare to imagine, entrepreneurs and bold investors. To be unveiled, exploited and capitalised.

Curaçao policy makers and organisations responsible for promoting and executing petroleum exploration activities unfortunately have a decades standing proven blindness, deafness, paralysis and inertia for this most important subject. In a “deep sleeping and relax” mode, as the sleeping beauty in the fairy tale of Grimm.

So far, even though secretive and not transparent, they have convincingly demonstrated to completely lack the required knowledge, vision, awareness, sensibility, stamina and passion. To pro-actively incorporate exploration for these precious and most valuable offshore natural resources supplied by Mother Nature. As an integral part of their sacred country mission, strategy and realistic short term government plans.

This to generate substantial, sustained and strategic value with high additional state income raising the quality and living standard for all.

Such as to eradicate the still so large group of poor people and impoverished areas that abound all around on my little native paradise in the pristine, emerald blue caribbean sea.

Imagine how tremendously positive the impact of a 17 TCF  (17 trillion cubic feet) Perla-like discovery could be for the 150,000 Curaçao inhabitants ?

The best well flowed 68 million scf/d of gas and 1,350 bpd of condensates.

Daily production of 34 million m3/d (1,200 MMcf/d) of gas, as in Perla.

Would represent 22 million US$/day, thus 8 billion US$/year of petroleum generated gross revenue.

Some 3X present GDP !

As reference, present day gasprice for households in the Netherlands is 0.65 € per cubic meter. Bro & sisa, what a could-be hugh cake and present, from dear Mother Nature. Sè swa.

Curaçao GDP (PPP) is $ 3.1 billion @ 2012 (est.), World Rank 188 (CIA Factbook, Feb. 2018). Industry sector contributes with a very meager 15,5 % to GDP.

” And the vision in my mind. Still remains. Within the Sounds of Silence “.

” Petroleum is always first found in the mind, educated guess and imagination of a creative and bold petroleum geologist ”

It is sometimes more so a colourful (caribbean carnavalesque, grotesque and burlesque though; utterly disgusting for an explorationist) issue during election time. For populists trying to  gain votes.

When one could admire 2 political candidates on tv. One most joyously and enthousiastically waving with unidentified petroleum-related maps (?). To vaguely and misteriously ” discuss ” on petroleum potential items ?

Yeahhh…

Mainly to quarrel about a petroleum potential ” study ” made, but never read or properly understood. That surprisingly was lost and findless in all the archives of all those involved in the heated discussions.

By the way, it is is just a click away, each and anyone can freely see and access it on internet (attached below – Video dr. P. Mann). Sè swa.

These natural petroleum resources can catapult a country into a very prosperous oil boom. Multiplying it’s GDP, substantially elevating and ameliorating poverty, raising the standard and quality of life in the country.

Guyana, presently with the recent offshore discoveries of the giant fields that contain some 4 billion barrels reserves of light, excellent quality petroleum. Propelling an unprecedented black gold rush with sustained prosperity and substantial income. Amounting to over 10 billion US$, already from 2020 on with unrivalled Guyana Basin production of 100,000 – 200,000 barrels offshore. Mind you, this is just the beginning of their petroleum love story.

Suriname soon to follow with offshore discoveries in the same prolific Guiana-Suriname petroleum basin.

Ghana since a decade with prolific petroleum production and income from the Jubilee giant oil field discovery.

Annual 2017 GDP growth rate of 17% in the Industry sector. The Mining & Petroleum sub-sector with a growth rate of 47%. Ghana is receiving some 1 billion US$ petroleum revenue per year.

Aruba is on the right track for petroleum exploration and production. With a clear vision, mission, dedication and tenacity since 4 decades. Fortunately.

Spud date is 11th June 2018. The well of Repsol & Partners, offshore Aruba. Repsol contracted Seadrill drillship West Capelia for one exploration well term. A 6th generation ultra-deep drillship of Samsung design, built by Samsung Heavy Industries in 2008.

Aruba will find their own Perla Arubiano giant gas field, hopefully. They fully deserve it after chasing it for so long.  Fingers crossed, lots of success and petroleum generated prosperity.

My Dushi Curaçao ???

Poised to realise at some point in time (…if ever) that they have completely missed both train and boat. Failing to capitalise and monetise these possible natural treasures in its subsurface.

Realising in retrospect that there were most valuable and accessible resources in their subsurface available. Forever stranded. Worth many, many, double digits billions of US$.

Afterwards.

When the transforming world has fully reached the now fast developing Paris Accord 2015 stage and objective that aims mainly the use of other types of clean energy.

Bonaire vs. Falcon-Bonaire Basin petroleum exploration ?

Same story. Never occurred yet to any policymaker or influencer on Bonaire. To promote chasing petroleum natural resources. As a means to drastically raise the living standard. As far as I can track.

Most fortunately !

” Wat niet weet, wat niet deert “

” It is innocence when it charms us. Ignorance when it does not “.

Ajo, bye bye.

Amen & A breathtaking Italian Carrara Marble Cross & R.I.P. Exploration.

To be included in the history books, forever.

” Curacao and The Risk of Doing Nothing

” All-in-1 Consultant, Available-to-Serve-You.

For grounded, vintage stewardship to successfully find lots of oil, mineral resources, develop your business and get sustained value for money ?

See <Contact & Contract Me>

marcelchinalien@gmail.com “.

5. Island in the sun

6. Cerro Mansinga – Seroe Domi Fm.& Basement. Perla analog

7. Caracas BaAi- Seroe Domi Fm.& Basement. Perla analog

Note the striking analog with the habitat of Perla giant field and of Paraguana exploration wells in La Vela Bay – Offshore, near Paraguana Peninsula the Miocene is underlain by Cretaceous basement composed of phyllite and gneis.Or by continental red beds of Oligocene age. Thirteen exploration wells have been drilled in the western portion of La Vela Bay (beginning in 1966). Five were discoveries, 3 oil producers (Nr. 2,5,13), one gas producer (Nr. 12), one oil and gas producer from 2 separate zones (Nr.4). The dominant structural feature was a large NW-SE trending nose which is perpendicular to the Falcon structures onshore, suggesting presence of a major E-W trending fault system near shore. One of the main faults separates the La Vela Bay from the Paraguana positive area which appears to be the source of clastic sediments (E. Vasquez, WPC-16217, 1975).

8. Curacao Stratigraphic Column

9.Venezuela Onshore Analogs of Offshore Perla Field ?

San Luis and Churuguara carbonates are potential analogs of Perla Field, in the Gulf of Venezuela. Both are Oligo-Miocene outcrops from the northern and southern Falcon Basin. Perla carbonates constituted a carbonate ramp, dominated by rhodolithic coralline algae and larger foraminifera. The Churuguara outcrop may represent a partial analog of the non-reservoir distal ramp of Perla.

Re.: E. Albert-Villanueva et al., AAPG, Spain, 2016

10. Kinematic reconstruction of the Caribbean region since the Early Jurassic

Please watch and follow how Curacao develops through geologic time. Especially the development of the Falcon-Bonaire Basin.

Video Lydian Boschman.

11. Major Hydrocarbon Plays in the Caribbean and Northern South America – 

Dr. Paul Mann, of University of Houston – Video

12.  Basement of Aruba and Curacao

34. Venezuela – Maracaibo Basin – Marine Type Oil Characteristics

”  All-in-1 Consultant,  Available-to-Serve-You.

For grounded, vintage stewardship to successfully find lots of oil, mineral resources, develop your business and get sustained value for money ?

See <Contact & Contract Me> at marcelchinalien@gmail.com “.

 

1. https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/28-suriname-outer-limits-of-the-continental-shelf/

2. 28. Suriname – Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf

3. https://mar-petroleumexplorationconsultant.com/30-suriname-deep-sea-mining/

4. 30. Suriname Deep Sea Mining

33. Suriname Deep Sea Mining – Play Maps

This blog should be used together with my 2 previous companion blogs referenced above.

1. Chapter Petroleum Exploration, nr. 28. Suriname – Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf.
2. Nr. 30 Suriname Deep Sea Mining.

They are intended to serve as seminal and as wake up calls for ”green” exploration offshore. Taking into account that since 2015 we all live in “green” Paris Accord 2015 times.

(…did’t know that/did not want to realise that/did not want to comply with that/do not wish to include that as social responsibility/do not want to include it in Mission & Vision??).

This means that “dirty” petroleum and coal exploration will disappear. Like it or not. Doomsdays. Petroleum and coal explorationists will form integral part of industrial heritage and history books. Green exploration will take over. Oui, au, certainement.

The Netherlands? From dirty to green.

My most dearest Friolandia, one of my 6-by heritage-and by other reasons-Mother-countries (my exclusive “six-pack”), anno 2018?

Gas country? Largest gas field of the world? Groningen field, originally about 2900 billion cubic meters, in production since 1963, some 900 billion cubic meters left, is almost closing down. Going from gas to electricity, even for heaters in the winter, in all houses, soon, government obligation.

Solar panels arising everywhere on the roofs of houses.

Windmills arising everywhere, onshore, along highways, in the polder, in your backyard. And offshore, 600 megawatt Schiermonnikoog windmills park, replacing “dirty” petroleum production platforms.

Already some 4000 hightech windmills. Much more than the 1170 famous old tech classic cozy green Dutch windmills from the past. That every tourist, even Czar Peter in 1696, visits in Zaanse Schans and Kinderdijk. Already 15 billion kWh electricity generated in 2016 by renewables, sun, wind, and biomass. In EU, 154,00 Megawatt from wind energy with Germany as the champion with one third.

(…Germany, by the way, have you already noted they are always, always, always champions. Why? Champion economy in the EU.

World champion soccer by beating Messi, Argentina in Maracana on 13-7-2014 .

Previously beating Cruyff et. al. in 1974, in Germany…though, thanks to the beautiful Schwalbe and resulting penalty of Herr Bernd Hölzenbein.

Have you already seen their new great champion. Hand assembled in Affalterbach, the 6.2-liter M159 V8, 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, in 3.7 seconds from 0-to-100 km? Really exhilarating, I can confirm. Mercedes Benz SLS AMG).

Geothermal, hot water exploration and drilling increasing, going everywhere. For heating the green houses, homes etc. etc.

Cars? About half sold are hybrid or electric, in total now 20,000 full electric cars on the road. You do not even hear if there is a car behind you, or if you want to cross the road, no noise at all, so dangerous now…

Etc. etc. etc. Getting greener and greener.

Even the trees are now going from brown to green, in spring.

Following maps represent preliminary Play Maps for deep sea mining in Suriname. Maps to play with. To get green and rich.

Ore deposits are usually located along major faults.

Such as in the area north of the Demerara High.

The northern boundary of Demerara High was determined by the incipient Atlantic mid-oceanic ridge at initial seafloor spreading ?

(..Yeah, bro and sisa, Suriname had the Atlantic Mid Oceanic Ridge at its doorsteps, 100 my. ago. Did you know? You could almost go to visit, for a BBQ with a giant T-Bone steak, with your brand new Toyota Landcruiser, or maybe a Lamborghini SUV, in the weekends. Or healthier, just by walking, similar to trailing the Camino de Santiago or Vía Franciscana pilgrims tracks in 6 weeks time. Already forgot about that dear neighbour, dear sisa ?

The mighty mid oceanic ridge that broke so many hearts, even broke up this part of famous Gondwana continent, mind you…Separating us involuntarily from our sister Sierra Leone. Like Iceland, sitting in front of your door, call it Sranan-Icelandia).

The ridge that left as heritage all his/her most valuable “green” ore deposits ??). Especially made for you.

This ridge evolved into the mid-oceanic ridge of the Atlantic that separated, within others, Africa and South America from Upper Cretaceous time on.

The way further?

Go for it.

It has been waiting there during 100 millions years, mi boi. Explore it, locate it, deep sea mine it, keep on moving, now with green spectacles and a green Vision 2030.

Also to diversify the economy. Not all eggs in just one basket. Make the transformation from dirty to green exploration.

Above all, upgrade to green, rich and healthy.

What about that one.

Faîtes vos jeux, chère madame et monsieur.

”  All-in-1 Consultant,  Available-to-Serve-You.

For grounded, vintage stewardship to successfully find lots of oil, mineral resources, develop your business and get sustained value for money ?

See <Contact & Contract Me> at marcelchinalien@gmail.com “.

Doei, salu2, ciao, até logo, grüssen, cordialement, salut, добрый день, ajoo, tur kos bon mi dushi hendenan na Switi Sranan i mi famiri na switi Korsou, tan bun allamala !

 

 

Video: 240 million Years Ago to 250 million Years in the Future. Going backwards and forwards in time. Note the changing position of Suriname through geologic time. Especially from 100 millions years ago to present time. And its position close to the Mid-Atlantic ridge in the period 110-80 million years ago, relevant for  rifting, fracturing and possible formation of ore deposits on the oceanic seafloor. Now waiting to be explored, unveiled and monetised, offshore Suriname.

 

Explorer? 

Undiscovered petroleum resources Central-South America – USGS, 2001

Mainly 2-be-Stranded:

According to the will of Homo Sapiens. Represented by 176 wise countries, Paris Accord, 12/12/2015. Toasting with Dom Perignon in Cristal d’Arque champagne flutes. Solemnly swearing, even with a WhatsApp to dear Mother Earth. Informing that Mighty Homo Sapiens is now definitely in the drivers seat, in full control. Like it or not. Approve it or not. Believe it or not. Take it or leave it. Deadline, 1.5 degrees C increase. No more !

Following Mother’s Earth proven 4.54 billion years history of reckless and uncontrollable spastic bad habits. Since ever: Orogenisis, continental constructions-destructions, dinosaur-mammoth mass destruction activities, CO2 expelling volcanoes, heavily leaking methane hydrates, unwise rock&rolling on the sweet rhytm of Milankovitch cycles, consequently continual climate changes that have destroyed our oh so cool ice ages with lovely mammoths. Sealevel changes flooding countries. Even obliging half of the astute Dutch to live below sealevel with dikes. And with wet feet…).

Amen.

Please note that the Guyana basin data are now outdated. P95 number has been doubled @ 2018. And is moving seriously towards F50 number.

”  All-in-1 Consultant,  Available-to-Serve-You.

For grounded, vintage stewardship to successfully find lots of oil, mineral resources, develop your business and get sustained value for money ?

See <Contact & Contract Me> at marcelchinalien@gmail.com “.

Doei, salu2, ciao, até logo, grüssen, cordialement, salut, добрый день, ajoo, tur kos bon mi dushi hendenan na Switi Sranan i mi famiri na switi Korsou, tan bun allamala !