With the steady development of the GranMorgu project, Suriname is on the right track regarding its oil and gas sector. President Jennifer Simons observed this during a visit to TotalEnergies’ activities at the Kuldipsingh Port Facilities on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The head of state was given a tour shortly after receiving a TotalEnergies delegation at her office. President Simons said she was impressed by the equipment and activities she saw, which, according to her, provide a clear picture of the scale of the development.
“It is very good to see for myself now that the project is progressing. You have been hearing about it for years, but now I have seen it myself. The equipment has arrived and is in place. It gives you the impression that the project is really taking off now. No turning back,” President Simons said. The head of state stressed that the oil sector creates opportunities, but that Suriname must also invest in infrastructure, education and vocational training. Young people in particular must prepare for the growing demand for technically and practically trained workers. “If you do not study or learn a trade, you will not automatically have money because there is oil. You have to be able to do something,” the president added.
Minister Patrick Brunings of Oil, Gas and Environment (OGM) described the facilities as “very impressive” and expressed confidence that the 2028 production target would be met. Staatsolie Chief Executive Officer Annand Jagesar stressed that GranMorgu extends beyond oil production. “GranMorgu is not only more than oil production, but also about creating opportunities for Surinamese companies and communities.” According to the Staatsolie chief, Suriname must lay the foundation for sustainable economic development through investments in local knowledge, training and entrepreneurship.
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné confirmed that the project is on schedule and is now approximately 50 percent complete. Of the investment of about USD 12 billion, USD 6 billion has been spent.
“Our commitment to developing competencies and contributing to the country’s prosperity does not wait until 2028. It is already a reality,” CEO Pouyanné said. According to him, TotalEnergies also continues to invest in exploration, with the aim of making new discoveries and potentially extending GranMorgu’s production period.
