Saipem has postponed the opening of its state-of-the-art offshore construction facility in Guyana this month after essential staff were exposed to COVID-19. The event was scheduled to take place at the company’s Water St. Georgetown location on May 22.
The Italian oilfield services company said since the beginning of the pandemic, it has put in place a rigorous testing and isolation protocol of all its personnel.
“During the most recent of these exercises, we encountered that essential staff at the construction site of our fabrication facility were exposed to the virus,” the company said. “Saipem Guyana Inc. has immediately activated all the necessary procedures and actions to reduce the chances of any further spread of the virus.”
The company said the move to postpone the opening of the facility is in the best interest of the health and safety of staff, client representatives, subcontractors, and government stakeholders.
“A new date is being considered and we would advise accordingly soon,” Saipem said.
The facility features a heavy load bearing jetty, the largest heavy lift crane in Guyana and specialized welding and testing equipment. All construction work for the new facility was awarded to local Guyanese contractors.
Major opportunities coming for Guyanese suppliers to service Saipem fabrication yard
Saipem has been awarded subsea contracts by ExxonMobil Guyana for the first two phases of the Liza development as well as the Payara development in the Stabroek Block.
