Subsea installation activities have started for ExxonMobil Guyana’s Whiptail development in the Stabroek Block, ahead of the arrival and installation of the Jaguar floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel being constructed by SBM Offshore.
ExxonMobil confirmed to OilNOW on July 28 that the ongoing offshore installation activities are related to the project’s subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) system.
The SURF system will connect subsea wells on the seabed to the Jaguar FPSO, allowing oil, gas and other fluids produced from the wells to be transported to the vessel for processing.
In April 2024, TechnipFMC secured the major contract to supply the subsea production system, including subsea trees, manifolds, controls and associated services, while Saipem was awarded the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contract covering the project’s subsea structures.
In a July 23 notice to mariners, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) stated that offshore installation activities had commenced within the Whiptail field in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.
MARAD noted that the mooring location is situated approximately 101.6 nautical miles (187.16 kilometers) off the coast of Guyana and covers an area of 25.4 square nautical miles (169.31 square kilometers).
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“This exercise is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026, and will incorporate the use of the MVP Normand Installer, which will display the international signal for a vessel engaged in such activity,” the agency disclosed.
Whiptail is ExxonMobil’s sixth approved development in the Stabroek Block. The Jaguar FPSO is designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day and will use SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward® multipurpose hull design.
Valued at US$12.7 billion, the development will include up to 10 drill centers and 48 production and injection wells connected to the FPSO through subsea infrastructure.
According to Exxon, Whiptail will boost the country’s offshore production capacity to approximately 1.3 million barrels per day, with first production targeted for the end of 2027.
The U.S. oil major operates the Stabroek Block with a 45% stake, with co-venturers Hess (30%) and CNOOC (25%).
