ExxonMobil Guyana disclosed moments ago that its offshore team has begun preparations for reinstalling key components of the flash gas compression system on the Liza Destiny after they were safely transported offshore over the weekend.
The subsidiary said that this process will continue during the coming weeks, as the start-up sequence is being finalized. Guyana Standard would have reported on January 29, last, that the Liza Destiny gas compressor had malfunctioned due to technical issues with a seal. It was subsequently sent to Germany to be fixed.
During that time, ExxonMobil was flaring over pilot levels which is one million or fewer cubic feet of gas being burnt thereby releasing toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.
The company as well as the Government of Guyana came in for several harsh criticisms.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was among the first group of critics, noting in a press release in January that the flaring by ExxonMobil defies its commitment to reduce such activities from 2016 levels by 20% in 2020. WWF said too that it certainly does not support the company’s global statements about reducing its greenhouse gas footprint. “The burden of responsibility falls squarely on ExxonMobil. We look forward to the Company being held accountable for this development,” said David Singh, Director of WWF-Guianas.
Furthermore, WWF had said that future development of the oil giant’s expansion programme must be reviewed against this recent development and the way it was disclosed.
Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat had given all assurances that the issues being experienced with the Liza Destiny equipment would not plague future projects. He said that the Ministry is working closely with the operator to ensure this is achieved.
