The Exxon Mobil Corp.-led Payara oilfield development offshore Guyana took a leap forward with partners agreeing to proceed with the $9 billion project. The final investment decision announced by Exxon and Hess Corp. late Sept. 30 came after the Guyanese government gave the project the green light, paving the way for the third major development off the prolific Stabroek Block where recoverable resources are more than an estimated 8 billion boe. The decision had been delayed as companies awaited the conclusion of a government review of the project following Guyana's March election and the seating of new government officials in August. "We thank the government of Guyana for their support and look forward to realizing the full potential of this world-class resource," Hess CEO John Hess said in a statement. The company said its share of development costs, excluding the FPSO and pre-sanction expenses, will be about $1.8 billion.