WILLEMSTAD – Petroleum geologist Marcel P.T. Chin-A-Lien is proposing a new offshore seismic investigation covering thousands of kilometers in the Bonaire Basin, arguing that Curaçao and the surrounding region need better geological information before considering exploratory oil and gas drilling.
The recommendation appears in a research report published on October 29, 2026, examining petroleum potential in the waters between Curaçao, Bonaire and Venezuela.
According to the report, the principal obstacle to evaluating the basin is the lack of modern geological information rather than a demonstrated absence of oil or gas.
The researcher proposes a regional two-dimensional seismic survey covering approximately 2,600 to 3,350 line-kilometers.
Between 55 and 60 percent of the proposed survey would focus on the southern Curaçao–Bonaire area, which the study identifies as an important potential exploration corridor.
Seismic surveys use sound waves to create images of geological formations beneath the seabed.
These images help geologists identify sedimentary layers, faults and structures that could potentially trap oil and natural gas.
The proposed investigation would use long-offset seismic technology, including recording equipment designed to obtain information from deeper geological formations.
Before conducting the survey, Chin-A-Lien recommends a six-month review of existing geological and seismic information.
This would include historical data collected during earlier exploration campaigns, research from the BOLIVAR geological project and available seismic surveys covering the Aruba–Curaçao region.
The study also recommends direct measurements of heat flow beneath the seabed, investigations of possible natural oil seepage and additional analysis of faults that could affect petroleum accumulation.
According to the researcher, these investigations could help answer several important questions, including whether source rocks beneath the basin have generated petroleum and whether geological structures have retained it.
The report emphasizes that drilling should only be considered after modern seismic data identify a suitable geological structure connected to a potentially productive source area.
It also notes that the legal framework for offshore exploration licensing remains under development.
The proposed investigation is a recommendation from the researcher, not an announced government project.
No financing, implementation schedule or government approval for the suggested seismic program is identified in the report.
Chin-A-Lien concludes that acquiring better geological information would be a more appropriate next step than proceeding directly to exploratory drilling.