In June 2025, IADC representatives traveled to Suriname to meet with officials and participate in an industry conference. These representatives included Jim Rocco, Sr Director – Government & Industry Affairs – Offshore, Gerardo Barrera, Asst Director – Accreditation Programs, and Ricardo Carvalho, Latin America Chapter Regional Representative.
On 16 June, the team met with four officials from Suriname’s offshore regulatory agency, Staatsolie Hydrocarbon Institute (SHI). The team discussed how IADC training programs could benefit SHI staff and university students in Suriname, and how IADC’s commitment to advocacy could support the region’s flourishing sector through increased understanding of industry standards and best practices.
From 17-20 June, the IADC team attended the 2025 Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition (SEOGS). This 5th edition of the event was hosted by Staatsolie in Paramaribo, Suriname under the theme “A New Dawn.” The event provided an excellent forum for our team to network and participate. Jim moderated a 90-minute drilling and completions session, which consisted of presentations followed by a panel discussion.
Among the session topics were:
- Machine learning affects to optimizing cementing operations
- Risk reduction via advanced geology assessment
- Subsea relief well techniques
- Offshore waste management (spent mud treatment)
- Low ECD drilling fluids for drilling ahead
As a session moderator, Jim was invited to provide a 5-minute video interview addressing high-level questions regarding the implications of burgeoning offshore activities on the country’s outlook. He covered topics such as local content, advantages of low production carbon footprint, and technologies to benefit Suriname’s offshore industry.
