Dutch shipbuilder, SBM Offshore has agreed to provide Hubu Aqua Farms Incorporated with the financial support it needs to rear premium shrimps and prawns at its Hubu Aqua Farm, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). This arrangement was solidified via the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Guyana Standard understands that the facility will be the first of its kind as it will be fully equipped with a hatchery, processing, and manufacturing facility. Significantly, the produce from the project would be used to supply all Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessels being operated offshore by SBM.
This news agency understands that a team from SBM Offshore comprising former General Manager, Francesco Prazzo; General Manager, Martin Cheong, and Sustainability and Social Impact Program Development Officer, Recardo Bovell recently visited the hatchery that is under development at Le Destin, EBE, and the location that is housing the farm at Hubu.
Following the visit, Mr. Cheong emphasized the company’s commitment to creating positive opportunities for both present and future generations while adding that the creation of meaningful local content remains a priority for the company.
Chief Executive officer of Hubu Aqua Farms, Sheik Rahman noted that the support received from SBM Offshore has fueled the realization of a lifelong dream. Rahman expressed his gratitude, sharing that lack of support in the past made the venture impossible to roll out until he approached SBM Offshore. “SBM Offshore was approached and after talking to them and showing them the potential of how it can benefit the country, we were able to get a grant from SBM Offshore which is what propelled this whole thing and made it all possible,”Mr. Rahman said.
This news agency understands that the project will entail the operationalization of a soon-to-be-complete hatchery that will utilize advanced technology for the facility’s management—including the sustainable use of recycled water and solar energy. The project will allow for quality broodstock to be provided to local aquafarmers who are being trained in rearing shrimp and prawns. Some 25 ‘grow-out’ ponds for the rearing of crustaceans will be developed.
Importantly, the project will provide significant opportunities to develop sustainable work for local aquafarmers and strengthen the overall aquaculture sector. Hubu Aqua Farms is also expected to engage a network of local farmers and rural workers to promote inclusivity in economic growth. It will also offer a reliable and high-quality product without seasonality.
Mr. Rahman said, “We’re hoping that when there is a processing plant, it will employ a minimum of 100 people in the community—mostly women who are underprivileged and cannot get work.”
