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Tambaredjo Oil Field
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The Tambaredjo Oil Field, situated in the Saramacca District, is Suriname's most critical onshore source of crude oil and has been operated by Staatsolie since 1982. The discovery of this field in the 1960s laid the essential foundation for the nation's domestic petroleum industry. Oil extracted from Tambaredjo is characterized as heavy crude and is transported via a dedicated pipeline directly to the Tout Lui Faut Refinery. Development of the field required the installation of hundreds of pumps and an extensive network of gathering lines across a marshy coastal landscape. Despite the increasing focus on massive offshore explorations, Tambaredjo remains the backbone of the country's internal energy production. Continuous investment in new drilling and enhanced recovery techniques ensures the long-term productivity of this vital resource for the Surinamese state.
- Location: Suriname
- Top sights: Roundabout · Koninkrijkszaal van Jehovah's Getuigen · Sint Thadeuskerk
- Nearby: Lelydorp (26 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 Tambaredjo Oil Field is one of Staatsolie's oldest and most productive oil fields in the Saramacca district. The extracted crude oil is pumped directly to the Tout Lui Faut refinery. It is a central component of Suriname's petroleum industry and ensures the country's energy supply.
Visiting
The oil field is not open to the public for safety reasons. Visitors can see the pumping units and tanks from surrounding roads but cannot enter the grounds. Guided tours are usually not offered.
Where to view it
A suitable viewpoint is the country road that runs along the edge of the oil field. Here you can see the typical nodding donkeys and pipelines that transport the oil. The wide, flat landscape provides good visibility of the facilities.
Local products
The main product is crude oil, which is sent to the Tout Lui Faut refinery. In the Saramacca region, local markets offer agricultural products such as rice and vegetables. Travelers can also taste traditional Surinamese dishes made from local ingredients.
Active season
Extraction runs continuously, 365 days a year, as the pumps operate around the clock. Maintenance work is typically carried out during the rainy season to maximize production in the dry season. The dry season facilitates access to the extraction sites.
Nearby
Combine the visit with a trip to the nearby Tout Lui Faut refinery to see the entire value chain. Also consider visiting the city of Paramaribo to understand the economic importance of the oil industry.
Geography
Facts
- The first discovery of oil in this specific area occurred in 1965.
- Commercial production by Staatsolie commenced in November 1982.
- Located within the coastal plain region of the Saramacca District.
- The crude is heavy, with an API gravity typically between 15 and 16 degrees.
- Features a network of over 1,000 active production wells.
- A Central Treatment Plant (CTP) processes the crude prior to refining.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tambaredjo Oil Field (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tambaredjo oil field?
It is Suriname's largest and most important oil field, providing the majority of national oil production.
Is entry allowed for visitors?
No, access to the oil field is prohibited due to strict safety regulations.
What is the oil quality like?
It is predominantly heavy, viscous crude oil.
Who operates the field?
The operation is managed by the state-owned oil company, Staatsolie.
Are there negative environmental impacts?
Operations are subject to strict environmental regulations to minimize risks.
Tambaredjo Oil Field: where is it located?
Tambaredjo Oil Field is located in Suriname.
Tambaredjo Oil Field: what is there to see?
Highlights include Roundabout, Koninkrijkszaal van Jehovah's Getuigen, Sint Thadeuskerk.
Tambaredjo Oil Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
Tambaredjo Oil Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Tambaredjo Oil Field, situated in the Saramacca District, is Suriname's most critical onshore source of crude oil and has been operated by Staatsolie since 1982.
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