In Guyana’s inaugural offshore licensing round, Sispro Inc. stood out as the only Guyanese company among the bidders.
They were eventually awarded two blocks S3 and D2 when the auction closed. But to date, it has not been finalised. Its Chairwoman Dr. Ayodele Dalgety-Dean told OilNOW in an exclusive comment that finalizing the award has presented some challenges.
“As a pioneering Guyanese firm, navigating the complexities of finalizing the award for blocks S3 and D2 has certainly presented some challenges, particularly in areas like regulatory compliance and setting up the necessary infrastructure,” she said.
Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said some of the groups that were identified as awardees after the country’s first offshore auction, may not end up receiving the blocks. This is due to difficulties with partners and the fees.
The government had set minimum bids at US$10 million for each of the shallow water blocks and US$20 million for the deepwater blocks in the ultra-deep Area C.
Dr. Dalgety-Dean said Sispro has been “working closely” with the relevant government bodies and its international investors to resolve the issues.
“We are committed to ensuring that all processes are completed in line with Guyana’s regulations and best practices to position us as a key player in the country’s oil future,” the Chairwoman said to OilNOW.
Sispro is led by three women – Dr. Melissa Varswyk, Abbigale Loncke-Watson and Dr. Dalgety Dean.
TotalEnergies, Petronas and QatarEnergy had won the Block S4, and is the only group for whom the award has been approved by Guyana’s Cabinet of Ministers.
