President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge said the number of Guyanese working offshore continues to grow steadily. Speaking at a recent graduation ceremony for local trainees, Routledge shared his experience during a recent visit to the ONE GUYANA vessel, set to develop the Yellowtail field.
“As I always do, I ask, okay, anybody who’s Guyanese, please put your hand up,” Routledge said. “What really fills me with happiness and pride is that, that number, every time I’m there, is increasing. There are more and more Guyanese offshore.”
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He said this growth is not only a matter of national pride, but also central to the sustainability of the oil and gas industry in Guyana. “We are literally here on contract to help you develop those [resources] for the highest value,” he stated. “But it’s not just about the cash flow out of the operations… it’s about developing opportunities for people and businesses and communities.”
He noted that graduates entering the offshore workforce are joining the industry at an early but critical stage, with several major projects already underway and more on the horizon. “We talked about ONE GUYANA and the Yellowtail project… We have the fifth and sixth projects that were sanctioned. We’re working… on the review and hopefully the approval of the Hammerhead project. And next year… the environmental authorization process for the Longtail project.”
Routledge emphasized the importance of training Guyanese on the ground in Guyana. “For this to be sustainable, it’s so critical that the training can take place here,” he said.
He also offered insight into offshore life: “It’s a special environment. It’s like a second home… I’m sure your family members… are going to bring lots of photographs back and lots of stories.”
Over 6,500 Guyanese are supporting oil and gas operations in the South American country. Of this number, 1,400 are women working offshore.
ExxonMobil is the operator of the Stabroek Block with a 45% stake. Hess holds 30% and CNOOC has a 25%.
