The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) have rejected reports that the natural gas pipeline supplying Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy facility at Wales, West Bank of Demerara, has ruptured, stating that the line is not currently operational.
In a joint statement issued on July 9, the agencies said there is no factual basis for claims of a pipeline rupture, noting that no gas is flowing through the subsea pipeline. This follows a July 8 allegation by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed that the pipeline was ruptured.
“The pipeline in question is not currently active, and no gas is flowing through it,” the statement said.
The pipeline is part of the Gas-to-Energy project, which is designed to transport natural gas from ExxonMobil Guyana’s offshore Stabroek Block to the Wales facility. The project includes a 300-megawatt power plant and a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility aimed at providing lower-cost electricity and additional energy resources for Guyana.
EPA and MARAD said ExxonMobil Guyana has been conducting a scheduled inspection of the subsea pipeline since May 2026. The inspection program is expected to continue for approximately three months and involves five vessels operating along the West Coast of Demerara.
The agencies confirmed that a report concerning the pipeline was received and investigated. Following the assessment, the matter was classified as a slight anomaly, with additional inspections being conducted as a precautionary measure.
“Out of an abundance of caution, further inspections are being conducted to confirm the continued integrity of the pipeline, consistent with standard safety protocols,” the agencies disclosed.
The EPA and MARAD maintained that the inspections form part of routine safety measures for the Gas-to-Energy infrastructure and reiterated their commitment to providing verified updates on the project.
The infrastructure is being developed onshore by U.S.-based contractor Lindsayca, which continued execution of the project after the exit of its original joint venture partner, CH4. Although the project was initially targeted for completion in 2024, the timeline was revised following construction delays.
The Guyana government has indicated that the first gas turbine is expected to come online by the end of 2026, with all turbines to be fully commissioned during the first quarter of 2027. Combined-cycle operations are targeted for completion by June 2027.
ExxonMobil operates Guyana’s Stabroek Block with a 45% stake, with co-venturers Hess, owned by Chevron (30%), and CNOOC (25%). The oil major has discovered an estimated 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels there.
