The Government of Guyana is pursuing the development of a deepwater harbour in the Berbice area to accommodate large vessels and provide the infrastructure needed to support oil and gas operations and the growing business activities in the South American country.
The country’s Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill had recently confirmed government’s commitment to the project, saying, “…we talk about the deepwater harbour, which will be pursued and which is being pursued at Berbice, which will facilitate the possibility of landing cruise ships, shorebase facilities and the capacity to be able to bring in larger vessels that are known to traverse the Demerara River.”
In a conversation with OilNOW, Minister Edghill explained that the project is being examined, and moving forward, the government will take a similar approach as it took on the new Demerara crossing project–by inviting Expressions of Interest. He noted that considerations are being made as to whether it will be a Public/Private Partnership or will be a “BOOT arrangement.”
BOOT arrangements refer to a build–own–operate–transfer type agreement. This is where a private entity receives a concession to design, fund and construct a facility and operate it. When the private party recovers their investment and returns, the facility can then be transferred to the government.
“That decision has not been made. We know that it is something that Government will pursue. We are looking at all options,” Edghill told OilNOW. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic government had, as part of its manifesto promises on the election campaign, committed to the construction of the facility. Upon assuming office, President Irfaan Ali said the country would be prioritising waterfront developments to make provisions for the increasing marine traffic from the offshore oil and gas operations.
The President has said that a minister was tasked with securing the services of international experts to advise on such developments. President Ali had also said the private sector would be incentivised to play a role in this development.
CGX Energy Inc. recently announced that it will be forging ahead with plans to construct a deepwater port on the eastern bank of the Berbice river to meet the demands of the oil and gas operations in both Guyana and Suriname. CGX acquired the land on which it plans to build the facility ten years ago and has already undertaken some development works.
