Come Q2 2024, Western Logistics is looking to be fully operational in Suriname after years of demonstrating its prowess in Guyana’s oil and gas industry.
Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pradeep Ramoutar, disclosed the company’s plan in an update to OilNOW on Feb. 26.
“We currently serve Guyana, and we can extend those services to Suriname. We already have a registered office [there] and we are looking to operationalize it in the second quarter,” he said.
Suriname’s oil and gas industry: Progress in 2023
Offshore oil production is expected to get underway in Suriname by 2028. TotalEnergies would be the first to execute this with its Block 58 development.
Western was the first logistics company to have its five-year Local Content Master Plan approved by the Guyana Ministry of Natural Resources in 2022. The Guyanese-owned and operated logistics firm aims to hire at least 200 Guyanese nationals to work offshore every year. The company has been operating in Guyana since 2017.
Western Logistics service offerings include ground transport, immigration/work permit services, customs brokerage, chandlery services for ships and rigs, warehousing, procurement, and even medical services.
The company’s track record includes working with Jan De Nul – the Belgian partner in the massive Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. project which involves the development of a man-made island in the Demerara River. “…it has never been done before in the history of this country,” Ramoutar said.
Providing data on Western Logistic’s operations in 2023, Ramoutar said the company was the agent for at least 30 vessels. This year, he said the company will be focusing on increased training of its staff. While Western Logistics supports major Tier One and Tier Two Contractors, it also supports close to 200 local companies.
Western Logistics and its sister company Pandora Energy recently participated in the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo. Ramoutar said Pandora garnered interest from cadets who are interested in joining the sector. Pandora Energy recently received ISO 9001:2015 certification as part of its long-term strategy as a 100% Guyanese-owned company.
