MODEC’s approach to engineering and project planning for the Uaru floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel has created space for local fabrication work to be integrated into the project without affecting delivery timelines.
This is according to MODEC’s Uaru Project Manager, Yossi Azran, during a video release on the company’s official LinkedIn page highlighting its steel fabrication suppliers.
Uaru is ExxonMobil’s 5th offshore oil development in Guyana’s Stabroek Block.
“We designed the FPSO modules with the intention of involving new subcontractors in Singapore,” Azran said in the January 13 video. “By advancing engineering timelines, we enabled local fabrication to contribute effectively, ensuring timely delivery to Singapore.” She said the execution required “strong coordination, fast-track procurement and logistics,” adding that subcontractors met required delivery and quality standards.
Exxon pushing for growth in fabrication, repair services in Guyana | OilNOW
Steel fabrication work for the Uaru project was carried out by Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc. (GOGSSI), Aesquith Guyana Inc. and Zeco Group of Companies.
Nicolas Deygoo Boyer, Director of GOGSSI, recounted that the engagement began around 2023 after MODEC secured the contract to build the FPSO for the Uaru project. “For us, it is a very big learning opportunity,” he noted.
Boyer said the collaboration exposed local companies to international engineering, project management and safety standards. “We hope that through our collaboration with MODEC, we start to be able to work on more complex jobs,” Boyer said, pointing to areas such as electrical, instrumentation, automation and rotating equipment.
Local steel fabrication for Guyana oil vessel increases by 300% | OilNOW
Farzan Hosein, Country Manager of Aesquith Guyana Inc., said his company was shortlisted through a competitive process and later awarded prefabrication, blasting and painting work for Uaru handrails.
“It was a great opportunity for us to work together with MODEC,” Hosein said. “I can safely tell you Aesquith Guyana Inc. would not have been where we are today in our welding and fabrication aspect” without that experience.
Zahir Hack, Founder and Chairman of Zeco Group of Companies, said his firm delivered more than 500 fabricated pieces in 2023. “We did it on time, delivered with all the quality,” Hack said. “It gives myself and my company a better understanding how to work on these technical jobs.”
Guyana’s next production milestone: 1.1 million barrels with Uaru development | OilNOW
Rafael Fumis, Country Manager at MODEC Guyana, said relying on international services is not viable for the industry’s long-term development. “We rely on local workforce and suppliers to be sustainable for the future,” Fumis posited.
Azran said Uaru, which he described as MODEC’s largest and most complex FPSO project, is critical for MODEC, ExxonMobil and Guyana.
“Collaboration ensures we learn from the past, address challenges and build local capacity, setting the stage for continued success and rapid development in Guyana,” he said.
Uaru targets more than 800 million barrels of recoverable oil, with initial production expected at about 250,000 barrels per day. Once production begins, Guyana’s national output is projected to move past one million barrels per day.
The development will use up to 10 drill centers connected to 44 wells. The Errea Wittu FPSO will feature a combined-cycle gas turbine and a closed-loop flare system, upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions during routine operations.
