ExxonMobil Guyana is embarking on its most intensive year yet for subsea umbilicals, risers, and flowlines (SURF) installation, according to company President Alistair Routledge. The work will connect subsea wellheads to the new floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units.
“We have started what will be our busiest year yet for SURF installation and associated activities,” Routledge said at a recent press conference.
The company has already commenced work on the Uaru development and will proceed with installations for the Whiptail project while completing work on Yellowtail. Supporting these activities is the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base (VEHSI), a facility Routledge describes as a key component of ExxonMobil’s long-term vision for local investment.
“This vision involves strategically investing to bring as much work as possible into the country while ensuring these projects are delivered efficiently and at the lowest possible cost,” Routledge said.
Uaru, Whiptail surpass Yellowtail as largest investments in Guyana’s history
The shore base has already received thousands of joints of pipe for the Uaru project.
Routledge said its major contractor Saipem has commenced fabrication of subsea jumpers and is finalizing a facility to manufacture pipeline and flowline end terminations, critical subsea components.
“This strategic investment initiated a few years ago is now bringing more fabrication and assembly work to Guyana,” Routledge shared. “This not only enhances efficiency but also creates opportunities for the broader industry to develop and expand.”
Yellowtail will be ExxonMobil’s 4th Stabroek Block development, joining Liza 1 and 2, and Payara. The Yellowtail project will target 250,000 barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil production. This design rate is the highest for Exxon in Guyana, tied with Uaru and Whiptail, which will follow in 2026-2028. Liza 2 and Payara started with design rates of 220,000 b/d but were later optimized to 250,000 b/d.
All of Exxon’s projects are located in the Stabroek Block, where it has discovered over 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels. Exxon is the operator of the block with a 45% stake, while Hess has 30% and CNOOC has 25%.
