SBM Offshore announced on May 10 that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, has confirmed the award of contracts for the next phase of the Liza project in Guyana.
“We are proud that ExxonMobil awarded SBM Offshore the contracts for the Liza Unity FPSO. The Company is confident that this project will demonstrate the value that our Fast4WardTM program brings to our clients. We look forward to continuing the cooperation with our client ExxonMobil on this second important project in Guyana,” CEO Bruno Chabas, said.
Under these contracts, SBM Offshore will construct, install and thereafter lease and operate for up to two years, the Liza Unity FPSO. This follows completion of front-end engineering studies, receipt of requisite government approvals and the final investment decision on the project by ExxonMobil and block co-venturers Hess and CNOOC.
SBM said the Liza Unity FPSO design is based on its industry leading Fast4WardTM program as it incorporates the Company’s new build, multi-purpose hull combined with several standardized topsides modules.
The Liza Unity will be designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, will have associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. The FPSO will be spread moored in water depth of about 1,600 meters and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil.
ExxonMobil announced on May 3 that it will be proceeding with its US$6 billion Liza Phase 2 Development project.
Pending government and regulatory approvals, a final investment decision is also expected later this year for a third phase of development, Payara, which is expected to produce between 180,000 and 220,000 barrels per day with startup as early as 2023.
The Liza field is located in the Stabroek block approximately 200 kilometers offshore Guyana. EEPGL is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 percent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 percent interest.
For development in Guyana to advance rapidly two factors of impetus need to change.Firstly many talented Guyanese in all fields of activity need to be encouraged to return to their vacant properties and home with their skills.Secondly the Government must as a priority clamp down and contain the rising crime rates in the country .The single factor that will be the thorn in the side of the country at attracting Guyanese who are best suited and motivated to the development of their country.New laws need to be implemented no matter how draconian sounding to the European well wishers who do not really understand the problem and think that their ideas of justice can be applied in all situations.Law enforcement mut be up to the task of proctecting society by mandate,training ,equipment and the will to protect all segments of society without any bias .Many professionals especially in medical,mental health,education ,financing and other fields are needed with their experience and expertise.Not only to inform but also to catalyse businesses and developmental projecte to provide employment.Because the spinoff of Oil wealth should be the orderly development of employment opportunities both Government and privately based.Guyana has survived its lean times because of agriculture and it will prosper because of mechanised farming.Our goal should be to feed the Caribbean.This will incorporate all segments of the population as factory farming and manufcturing /canning industries develop.TheUSA is not strong because of its big military.It is strong because its farmers can feed half the planet.India has move up from a poor nation to a highly ranked developing nation above countries like Australia,Britain,Sweden.etc.because it now feed all of its people and exports its surplus.Guyana has the talent and the will to advance rapidly.But a section of its population need to be taught that crime does not pay.And would be dealth with severly.I am not singlig out any particular group because I am cognizant of the fact that all types are involved in crime.The Goverment must not only give assurances but take immediate steps to boost the function and ranks of the protective and mental/ social services.