In a major step toward ensuring local participation in Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector, three Guyanese companies—Industrial Fabrications (InFab), Zeco Group of Companies, and Guyana Oil & Gas Support Services Inc. (GOGSSI)—have been contracted to assist in the construction of the Jaguar Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. This vessel, the sixth for Guyana, is being built by Dutch company SBM Offshore for ExxonMobil’s Whiptail project.
To mark the commencement of the project, a steel strike ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Guyana Shorebase Inc. (GYSBI) in Houston, East Bank Demerara. Speaking at the event, Martin Cheong, General Manager of SBM Offshore, emphasized his company’s commitment to building local content in Guyana’s oil and gas industry.
“This is not the first time SBM Offshore is contributing towards building local content. Over a year ago, we partnered with the same companies to celebrate the commencement of fabricated fixtures for the One Guyana FPSO,” Cheong said. He further noted that the ceremony signifies the capabilities of local fabricators in delivering steel structures for FPSOs that meet international standards.
Cheong highlighted SBM Offshore’s ongoing efforts to include local businesses in the industry through its local content objectives. “Today’s gathering is yet another indication of our commitment to ensuring Guyanese are positioned to play critical supporting roles in the growing oil and gas sector,” he stated. He also pointed to SBM Offshore’s Trainee Technician and Graduate Engineers’ Programmes, which continue to equip Guyanese with the skills needed to support offshore operations.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat described the event as a testament to the government’s efforts to ensure Guyanese and local businesses benefit directly and indirectly from the oil and gas industry’s growth.
The minister congratulated the local fabricators for their bold investments in this new sector, praising their ability to meet international standards. “You have executed in a manner that is acceptable at an international level, which has not only been recognized by SBM Offshore but also by companies worldwide,” Bharrat said. He also commended ExxonMobil and SBM Offshore for their partnership and collaboration with the government and the local private sector.
Bharrat noted the unprecedented growth of Guyana’s oil and gas sector and urged local businesses to seize the opportunities available. He also issued a firm reminder to foreign investors about complying with Guyana’s local content laws, stressing that non-compliance would not be tolerated.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s President, Alistair Routledge, also spoke at the event, highlighting the company’s commitment to building local capacity. He applauded the local contractors for their quality of work and willingness to invest in a challenging industry. Routledge assured that as the sector expands, more opportunities will become available for local companies.
About the Fabricators
Guyana Oil & Gas Support Services Inc. (GOGSSI):
Established in 2019, GOGSSI has become a key player in Guyana’s oil and gas sector. The company operates as part of a joint venture with Trinidad Offshore Fabricators Unlimited (TOFCO) and specializes in structural and piping module development, decks, platforms, and other oil and gas fabrication services.
Industrial Fabrications (InFab):
Founded in 2002, InFab is a leading steel fabrication company in Guyana. It has a proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions tailored to the oil and gas industry’s needs. InFab has previously worked with SBM Offshore on the Prosperity and One Guyana FPSOs.
Zeco Group of Companies:
Zeco, established in 2001 by Zahir Hack, has grown from a small welding and fabrication shop into a prominent large-scale fabricator. The company has previously been contracted by SBM Offshore for the fabrication of W Beams, lighting fixtures, and module connecting plates for FPSO units.
For the Jaguar FPSO project, the three local companies are expected to deliver an additional 316 metric tons of steel fabrication work, further cementing their role in supporting Guyana’s oil and gas industry.
This collaboration marks another milestone in Guyana’s journey toward maximizing local participation in its rapidly growing energy sector.
