ExxonMobil expects the planned Longtail development to create up to 1,680 jobs across its phases, according to the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) published by Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in March.
The project is tied to Guyana reaching oil production capacity of 1.7 million barrels per day (b/d) by 2030, as developments continue to advance in the Stabroek Block.
Longtail’s workforce is expected to peak during the development phase.
The EIA indicates up to 600 persons may be needed during drilling and installation, assuming up to three full-time ships with approximately 200 per vessel.
“The drilling and installation stage will provide only short-term opportunities for the Guyanese workforce, as a majority of these personnel will work in the offshore environment and require specific technical skills and experience… It is expected that the number and proportion of Guyanese workers will increase over time, as their relevant experience grows,” the EIA stated.
The project will also require up to 600 persons during commissioning and start-up, depending on final construction, installation and support vessel selection.
During long-term production operations, workforce demand is expected to range between 210 and 240 personnel, mainly onboard the FPSO during routine operations and maintenance campaigns. Another 210-240 will be needed for decommissioning at the end of project life.
Aside from those workers, which amount to 1,680, the Longtail development is also expected to require between 150 and 200 onshore workers to support shorebase and marine logistics operations.
Guyana passed its Local Content Act in December 2021, creating a framework that encourages local participation in the oil and gas sector. Approximately 9,000 people are now employed in the industry, with roughly 70% of them being Guyanese.
In March, ExxonMobil President Alistair Routledge said the 70% represents approximately 6,300 local workers, including around 300 who are relatively new to the industry.
