Oil field services company Schlumberger plans to upgrade its Fluids Laboratory in Guyana to improve overall efficiency and service delivery.
This is according to an advertisement placed in the local press requesting the submission of Expressions of Interest (EoIs). The facility is located at the Houston Port on the East Bank of Demerara, on the outskirts of Georgetown.
The successful contractor will be required to modify Level 1 of an existing three-story building and provide construction services, and technical support associated with the construction of the Laboratory according to the provided guidelines.
Managing Director of Schlumberger’s Guyana, Trinidad & Caribbean GeoUnit (GTC), Ernesto Cuadros told OilNOW that currently, the Drilling Fluids and Cementing Laboratories are containerized, each having a standalone setup and operating at maximum capacity. And with the existing setup, it is extremely difficult to introduce additional personnel or equipment into the laboratories without impacting safety, efficiency and workflow.
Cuadros explained that to prepare for anticipated growth in the region, the company has decided to integrate the two separate labs into a single, shared space. He said this would facilitate the sharing of assets such as equipment, personnel, and workspace, to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Additionally, Schlumberger continues to pursue an aggressive local content development plan to identify and utilize local talent in its value chain. In this regard, Cuadros told OilNOW that the company is looking to source local Guyanese contractors to provide the general construction services for the project.
In this regard, he revealed that approximately 15 to 20 local contractors would be hired to complete the scope of works.
This would include “sourcing materials, electrical, plumbing, HVAC installation, as well as support in installation of laboratory equipment as per equipment manufacturer guidelines.” Further, Cuadros stated that the project is budgeted to return approximately USD$500,000 – USD$750,000 into the local economy.
Schlumberger describes itself as the world’s leading provider of technology for reservoir characterization, drilling, production, and processing to the oil and gas industry.
It is present in more than 85 countries and employs approximately 100,000 people who represent over 140 nationalities.
