The country continues to see increased participation of Guyanese in the oil and gas sector, particularly through maritime operations and onshore services supporting offshore activities.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, highlighted the growing number of vessels supporting these offshore activities.
He noted that approximately 65 transport vessels, including tugs, platform supply vessels and fast vessels, are currently operating offshore.
He said several Guyanese are employed on these vessels, while others are working aboard drill ships, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels and construction vessels involved in subsea activities.
“Generally, a lot of Guyanese work offshore on those vessels. But then you have a lot of them onshore, too, that are working in the sector,” Minister Indar said.
The minister pointed to the growing range of services now being provided locally to support offshore operations, including logistics, transportation, warehousing, engineering, welding, lifting, rigging, crane operations and other specialised activities.
“Every single thing that is needed offshore is provided on an onshore basis. And it comes through Guyana,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister also noted that some components used in offshore operations, including construction items such as risers and jumpers.
These are now being fabricated in Guyana and transported directly offshore.
“So it’s not transported from another place and gone offshore. It’s transported from Guyana, made in Guyana, sent right offshore,” he explained.
Minister Indar said the growing involvement of Guyanese in offshore and onshore activities demonstrates the economic participation being generated through the country’s expanding oil and gas industry.