Guyanese authorities have required ExxonMobil Guyana to provide a list of the local content opportunities that will be available at its newly approved Uaru Project. This is outlined in the Petroleum Production Licence for the project.
The document states that the licensee shall within six months of the date of this licence (signed April 27, 2023), provide a list of potential opportunities for local and overseas training or secondee positions within the organisations of the licensee or affiliated companies, together with estimated costs.
It further notes that the licensee shall maintain and update such list no less frequently than each calendar year. It also outlines that the licensee shall accept the Government of Guyana personnel nominated by the Minister for such positions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, that provision carries a caveat, stating that it shall not be interpreted or applied so as to require any licensee to accept a nominee if doing so would constitute a violation of any law, order or regulation applicable to such Licensee.
In addition to complying with the foregoing, the licence categorically states that the licensee shall act in accordance with with the provisions of the Local Content Act No. 18 of 2021 and Regulations made thereunder, as amended from time to time.
According to the project summary for the US$12.7 billion development, approximately 1,500 jobs could be created, particularly during the well drilling and mobilisation phases, as well as the hook-up phase for the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, Errea Wittu. Once first oil is achieved in 2027, production operations (including FPSO and support vessels) will likely employ approximately 160-180 persons at peak.
Guyana’s Local Content Secretariat has been tasked with ensuring ExxonMobil, its partners and subcontractors utilise Guyanese labour and businesses throughout their operations.
To date, more than 5,000 persons are supporting Exxon’s operations here. This number is expected to grow exponentially as more projects come on stream.
