ExxonMobil Hires 20 Vessels for Gas-to-Shore Pipeline Installation in Guyana

ExxonMobil's local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has contracted a consortium of Subsea 7 LCC and Van Oord Offshore (EPC5) to install a 12.75-inch gas pipeline system from existing offshore gas production facilities to the shore of Guyana. The pipeline will span approximately 195 km and is part of the Gas-to-Shore project in Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

To support the pipeline installation, EEPGL plans to hire up to 20 vessels and barges on a daily basis, including shallow water pipelay vessels, pipe supply vessels, anchor handlers, crane barges, survey vessels, supply vessels, crew transport vessels, and an accommodation vessel. A key vessel in the fleet will be the 'Waddenstroom', a Multicat vessel under the flag of the Netherlands, which will serve as a fuel bunkering vessel moored in Guyana's EEZ.

The Waddenstroom has been approved by the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide bunkering services exclusively to the Van Oord construction fleet during the pipeline installation project. Van Oord, responsible for the offshore pipeline installation, sought the EPA's approval for a license to allow the storage, transportation, and distribution of fuel by vessels for bunkering operations, addressing current constraints faced in the project.

Why this matters: The Gas-to-Shore pipeline project is a significant development for Guyana's energy sector, as it will enable the transportation of natural gas from offshore production facilities to onshore processing plants. The involvement of major international companies like ExxonMobil, Subsea 7, and Van Oord highlights the growing interest and investment in Guyana's oil and gas industry.

To mitigate the risk of potential fuel spills during offshore bunkering operations, EEPGL has implemented various measures, including a Project Spill Prevention Plan, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), and Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP). Van Oord is also actively exploring innovative technologies and practices to minimize its ecological footprint during the offshore operations, working in collaboration with local stakeholders and environmental experts.

The offshore pipeline installation project is expected to commence in the coming months, with the hired vessels and barges playing a critical role in the successful completion of the Gas-to-Shore pipeline. The project marks a significant milestone in the development of Guyana's energy infrastructure and is expected to have long-term economic benefits for the country.

Key Takeaways

• ExxonMobil's EEPGL contracted Subsea 7 and Van Oord to install 195km gas pipeline in Guyana.
• EEPGL plans to hire up to 20 vessels daily to support pipeline installation, including a fuel bunkering vessel.
• Van Oord obtained EPA approval for fuel bunkering to address project constraints in Guyana.
• The pipeline project is a significant development for Guyana's energy sector, enabling gas transportation.
• EEPGL has implemented measures to mitigate risk of fuel spills during offshore bunkering operations.