Saipem creating offshore construction facility to serve oil industry

The Italian multinational oilfield services company Saipem S.p.A, says it is moving forward with the establishment of a new offshore construction facility in Guyana in pursuit of the country’s efforts to create the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the country’s oil recovery pursuits. The firm says in its release that all of the construction work associated with the creation of the facility will be assigned to local contractors.

Saipem has also reportedly informed that the new facility will boast Guyana’s largest heavy-lift crane, though it is the news that the project is likely to provide employment for Guyanese contractors and crews that will spark the immediate-term interest here.

Earlier contracts from ExxonMobil the key player in Guyana’s oil recovery pursuits - had been secured by Saipem, including contracts associated with the pursuit of both the Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 11 offshore field development projects in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Subsequently, the company was engaged for the final phase of the ExxonMobil Payara development.

The company has reportedly indicated that when completed, the offshore construction facility will enjoy direct access to the Demerara River, allowing for the loading of fabricated items onto vessels for delivery offshore.

The new facility will also include a heavy load-bearing jetty, and specialised fabrication, welding, and testing equipment, it says.

The Italian multinational noted that has it has won contracts for ExxonMobiloperated field development projects offshore Guyana, starting with Liza Phase 1 in 2017 and then Liza Phase 2 the following year. More recently, it began work on the final phase of the ExxonMobil-led Payara development.

The new facility will enable Saipem to fabricate jumpers and other sophisticated subsea structures locally, Saipem stated. As a result, the firm noted that it will boost ongoing training efforts for local workers by including new specialisations in conjunction with recognised Guyanese organisations, schools, and service providers.

“The inauguration of Saipem’s Offshore Construction Facility in Guyana will enable us to provide highly skilled local services and support to the advantage of current and future energy projects in the country,” commented Saipem America President and CEO Giorgio Martelli. “Saipem’s commitment in Guyana is longterm and this new facility is a key milestone in our relationship with this dynamic nation.”