Vice President Bids Farewell To GeoPartners & BGP Crew
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, representing His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, who is currently on an ECOWAS mission, attended a farewell ceremony for the BGP Vessel crew and the GeoPartners team. The event marked the successful completion of a landmark offshore 3D seismic survey for oil and gas exploration, conducted in partnership with the Petroleum Directorate.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Jalloh commended the team for delivering promising survey results, which he described as “a significant anchor for Sierra Leone’s energy security objectives and a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.”
“On behalf of the President, I thank GeoPartners, BGP and F.A. Oil Limited for this seminal work and the successful collaboration with the Petroleum Directorate,” the Vice President stated. “This is a major step toward accelerating oil and gas exploration and positioning Sierra Leone as a new investment destination in this sector. Sierra Leone is indeed ready for business. Bravo to the Petroleum Directorate for pulling this off.”
This 3D seismic survey, Sierra Leone’s first in over a decade, was launched in early June 2025 by global geotechnical services firm GeoPartners. The project, implemented with the Petroleum Directorate, utilized the seismic vessel BGP Prospector over a six-week period, followed by advanced processing to better define the depth and volume of potential hydrocarbon deposits. Jim Gulland, Director and Founder of GeoPartners, expressed optimism about the results: “We are confident this new survey will provide unparalleled insights into the subsurface, significantly enhancing Sierra Leone’s exploration potential and accelerating the pursuit of commercial hydrocarbon discoveries.”
Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, Foday Mansaray, expressed gratitude to President Bio for his leadership and for creating opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans to serve in the sector. He revealed that the survey had originally been scheduled for 2029, but was brought forward after his team convinced FA Oil to proceed earlier. GeoPartners Limited, a UK-based seismic company, was engaged for the work and subcontracted BGP Exploration, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum. Mansaray explained that several Sierra Leoneans, including geophysicists and petroleum engineers, were trained in preparation for the industry’s growth. He stated that the seismic exploration targeted Sierra Leone’s basin, believed to hold 30 billion barrels of oil, with FA Oil holding 10 billion barrels in its plots. If confirmed, he stressed, this could have a direct and transformative impact on the economy. The summary results are expected within six weeks, with the full data report anticipated in eight to twelve months.
The advanced 3D seismic technology deployed aboard the BGP Prospector not only collected critical subsurface data, but also elevated the quality and precision of hydrocarbon reservoir identification. This capability reduces exploration risks, increases investor confidence, and strengthens Sierra Leone’s position on the global energy map. Industry observers view the success of the survey as a testament to the value of partnerships between local regulatory bodies and international industry leaders. GeoPartners’ collaboration with the Petroleum Directorate is seen as a model of how global expertise can align with national development goals, while ensuring responsible resource management.
Beyond its technical achievement, the project represents a shift toward a more data-driven and methodical approach to petroleum exploration in Sierra Leone. The detailed subsurface imaging gathered will guide upcoming drilling campaigns, inform policy and regulation, and serve as a key tool for negotiating oil and gas contracts. As global energy markets continue to evolve, the conclusion of this 3D seismic campaign signals Sierra Leone’s readiness to expand its role in the sector. With a focus on energy security, economic diversification, and responsible resource use, the country is positioning itself to leverage its hydrocarbon resources for long-term national prosperity. The farewell to the BGP Prospector crew is thus, more than a ceremonial send-off; it marks a strategic milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards becoming a significant player in the regional and global energy landscape.