**bpTT and EOG Resources Target 2027 for First Gas in Offshore Trinidad**
In a significant move towards boosting natural gas production in Trinidad and Tobago, **bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT)** and **EOG Resources Trinidad** have announced their partnership to develop the Coconut gas field, located in the Columbus Basin off the southeast coast of the island nation. This joint venture marks the latest step in a long series of collaborations between the two companies aimed at maximizing gas reserves in offshore Trinidad.
### The Coconut Development
Situated in a water depth of 260 feet, the Coconut field was originally discovered by bpTT in 2005. The latest agreement accelerates the production timeline, with both parties committing to a 50/50 joint venture with EOG Resources assuming the operational role. The final investment decision has been made, paving the way for the project to reach its target of first gas production by 2027.
This development falls under ongoing efforts to spur production growth in Trinidad and Tobago. Earlier joint ventures between bpTT and EOG include EMZ (2011), Sercan (2016), Banyan (2017), and the upcoming Mento field, scheduled to come online in 2025.
### Historical Contributions
bpTT and EOG have a strong track record of collaborative offshore development projects in Trinidad and Tobago. Previous endeavors such as the EMZ, Sercan, and Banyan fields have successfully navigated complex underwater operations and stringent fiscal terms to deliver significant gas reserves.
### Future Implications
The Coconut field’s development is crucial not just for increasing Trinidad and Tobago’s gas production but also for its economy, heavily reliant on gas-dependent industries like LNG, ammonia, and methanol. The ongoing scarcity of gas, partly due to unattractive fiscal terms and spending habits of international oil companies, has been a significant challenge for the country.
### Investment and Growth Plans
The joint venture