SBM Offshore is working to lay the foundation for capacity building and local content development in Suriname as it looks towards delivering the first FPSO for TotalEnergies’ Gran Morgu project, set to begin production in 2028. Pierre Gaté, Country Entry-Manager of SBM Offshore Suriname, said the company is leveraging its early presence to maximize local participation.
“We are here three years ahead of our typical timeline because of lessons learned in Guyana and other countries. The earlier we start, the more we can anticipate local content needs and apply proven initiatives,” Gaté explained at the Suriname Awareness Symposium.
SBM Offshore specializes in deepwater infrastructure, including Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units. The company was hired along with Technip Energies to build an all electric drive FPSO for the Gran Morgu development – Suriname’s first offshore.
“Our aim is to maximize in-country value,” Gaté said. “This is not only aligned with our values but is also key to our social acceptability and economic efficiency.”
SBM Offshore plans to introduce several local content initiatives, including scholarship programs, graduate engineering opportunities, technician training, and supplier development. Gaté noted the company’s success in Brazil, where 95-98% of its offshore workforce is Brazilian, including the offshore installation managers.
“This is the level of local involvement we want to achieve in Suriname. It’s about working with the local workforce and understanding how to tailor our initiatives to the country’s specific dynamics,” he said.
The work has already begun. Recently, SBM Offshore hosted a Surinamese delegation at its Facilities Stimulator (FacTor) based in Guyana. FacTor, a fully functional plant simulating an FPSO using water and air, was established with support from the Guyana government, ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC, and SBM Offshore. FacTor offers training opportunities that could prepare Surinamese workers for jobs related to FPSOs, as the country advances its oil ambitions.
