The helideck license for Guyana’s third production vessel – the Prosperity – was handed over to SBM Offshore in a ceremony that also marked a milestone for the local Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) since it was certified by the country’s first locally licensed inspector, Adrian Bassier.
Years ago, when the helideck of the Liza Destiny vessel needed to be certified, Guyana turned to Ghana for assistance, made possible through a cooperation agreement, explained GCAA Director General, Egbert Fields.
But now, capacity has been built and Guyana is better equipped.
“Today, I can happily say that Guyana has its first helideck inspector,” he remarked.
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Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, was keen to note that Guyana’s profile is expanding rapidly, and the country needs to be ready for what is to come.
“We will have more flights, not just commercial but recreational…So, you have to be strong in your regulation because you want to keep on a safety record high,” he added.
“The traffic in and out is going to be great. You need to ensure you keep our heads on. We have to be able to get the people with the gut…to look at foreign operators and say ‘if you cannot do this in your jurisdiction, you cannot do it in Guyana’,” the Minister urged.
The Prosperity vessel is already en route to Guyana with an expected arrival date in April for the Payara project. Installation activities are ongoing in the Payara field, utilising the PLV Saipem Constellation vessel. Those will conclude on November 30, 2023.
Payara is expected to achieve first oil sometime this year. It will add 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) to crude production offshore. Adding to the Liza projects, Payara will take production to approximately 600,000 bpd.
