Bourbon Guyana Inc. has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval to provide offshore bunkering services to ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s Whiptail, Yellowtail, and Uaru projects within the Stabroek Block.
According to Bourbon’s project submissions, the operations will involve the use of two Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) – the Bourbon Mistral and the Bourbon Ruby to store, transport, and distribute diesel fuel to Saipem Guyana Inc.’s construction vessels and ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels.
The Bourbon Mistral will service the Whiptail, Yellowtail, and Uaru developments, while the Bourbon Ruby will focus on Yellowtail and Uaru. Both vessels will operate offshore within the Stabroek Block, delivering vital fuel support to ensure uninterrupted operations for ExxonMobil’s ongoing and upcoming production projects.
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Bourbon explained that these projects, operated by ExxonMobil, form part of Guyana’s rapidly expanding offshore oil portfolio. “The Whiptail, Yellowtail, and Uaru developments are designed to deliver oil to FPSOs for export to refineries overseas, generating significant revenue for the Government of Guyana on behalf of its citizens,” Bourbon said.
The company noted that it currently manages a fleet of up to ten vessels in the Stabroek Block, including pipe supply vessels, anchor handlers, and chemical supply ships. Due to the nature of offshore operations – where Saipem’s construction vessels must remain stationary and refueling options in Georgetown ports are limited, Bourbon said it plans to use its support fleet for ship-to-ship bunkering. This offshore refueling model is intended to reduce congestion at local ports and improve operational efficiency.
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“Saipem’s stationary vessels require an offshore bunkering solution,” Bourbon stated in its submission, adding that sailing vessels, though capable of returning to port, face “limited port refueling facilities, long sailing times, and increased traffic”.
The bunkering operations by the Bourbon Mistral and Bourbon Ruby will be conducted exclusively for ExxonMobil’s FPSOs and Saipem’s construction fleet throughout the Whiptail, Yellowtail and Uaru projects.
