Plizio Visual Lab
Calcutta Oil Field
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Calcutta Oil Field is located west of Tambaredjo in the Saramacca District and represents Suriname's second major onshore petroleum deposit. Discovered in the 1980s, it significantly augments the production volumes of the neighboring Tambaredjo field. Extraction in Calcutta is technologically demanding because the crude oil lies at relatively shallow depths beneath sensitive coastal ecosystems. Staatsolie employs advanced pressure maintenance techniques here to keep production rates stable and optimize resource utilization. The crude recovered is an essential component of the feedstock mix for the national refinery, thereby contributing to the country's overall energy security. The development of the Calcutta field has substantially contributed to infrastructure improvements in the rural Saramacca region, including the construction of vital roads and bridges.
- Location: Suriname
- Nearby: Lelydorp (50 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 144 | 116 | 110 | 184 | 283 | 263 | 222 | 128 | 63 | 59 | 88 | 179 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Calcutta Oil Field in the Saramacca district is a significant onshore oil field that contributes to Suriname's national oil production. It is named after the nearby settlement and plays a role in the country's energy supply.
Visiting
The oil field is a fenced industrial site and is not open to the public. From the surrounding roads, the pumping units and tanks are visible.
Where to view it
The best view is from the road along the Saramacca River, where the facility can be seen from a distance. A hill near the village of Calcutta provides an overview of the drilling rigs and the surrounding landscape.
Local products
Crude oil is extracted in the region and processed at the Tout Lui Faut refinery. Local products therefore mainly include fuel and other petroleum products available at gas stations nationwide.
Active season
Oil extraction runs year-round, with possible maintenance during the dry season. Production peaks often occur in the first months of the year when energy demand rises.
Nearby
A visit to the Calcutta Oil Field can be combined with a tour of the Saramacca district, known for its rice fields. The Bigi Pan nature reserve also gives a good addition for nature lovers.
Geography
Facts
- Discovered in 1982, following the initial successes at the Tambaredjo field.
- Significant commercial production ramped up during the late 1990s.
- Situated to the west of the primary Tambaredjo production zone.
- Produces heavy crude oil with properties similar to the Tambaredjo crude.
- Utilizes Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques to sustain production flow.
- Formulates an integral part of Staatsolie's onshore production portfolio.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Calcutta Oil Field (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Calcutta oil field?
A smaller but economically relevant oil field that supplements national production.
Can I visit the oil field?
No, it is a closed industrial site for technical personnel.
What is the area like?
The area is rural with agricultural land use nearby.
Why is it strategically important?
Every developed field increases Suriname's national energy independence.
Who is the operator?
Staatsolie is the responsible operator here as well.
Calcutta Oil Field: where is it located?
Calcutta Oil Field is located in Suriname.
Calcutta Oil Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
Calcutta Oil Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Calcutta Oil Field is located west of Tambaredjo in the Saramacca District and represents Suriname's second major onshore petroleum deposit.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Suriname →
Nearby cities
Lelydorp
This municipality south of Paramaribo is the second-largest city in the country.
Paramaribo
The vibrant capital of Suriname is situated on the banks of the river of the same name.
Cola Creek
A popular recreational swimming spot with dark, cola-colored water, surrounded by shaded forests.
Brownsweg
A significant settlement of the Maroon community and the central starting point for tours to the Brokopondo Lake and Brownsberg.
History & landmarks
Arya Dewaker Temple
A magnificent Hindu temple in Paramaribo with unique octagonal architecture.
Independence Square
The historic center of Paramaribo, surrounded by important government buildings.
Commewijne plantations
Historic plantations along the Commewijne River, famous for colonial history and dolphin spotting tours.
More places
🗺️
Tambaredjo Oil Field
One of Staatsolie's oldest and most productive oil fields in the Saramacca district.
Camp 52
A historic camp along the former Lawa railway, which served as a stopover to the jungle.
Kuldipsingh Port
A private heavy-duty port used primarily for the oil, gas, and construction industries.
Surinaamse Brewery
The largest brewery in the country and maker of the famous Parbo Beer.
DP World Paramaribo
An area in the main port managed by the global port operator DP World.
Lawa Railway Remains
The historical remains of an old railway line built during the Surinamese gold rush.
Staatsolie Tout Lui Faut Refinery
The only oil refinery in Suriname, operated by the state oil company Staatsolie.
Tourtonne
A historical plantation area that was integrated into the urban area of Paramaribo.