Stena Drilling has deliberately chosen to source most of its food supplies from Guyanese farmers and suppliers, tying its catering operations directly to local content goals. The company said this approach “boosts freshness and flavour” while supporting the country’s agriculture sector, according to the Q3 edition of Energy Magazine.
Since starting operations in Guyana in 2016, Stena Drilling has shifted away from the industry’s traditional dependence on imported food. It stated that its decision to rely on Guyanese ingredients “reduces the environmental impact of international shipping and supports local farmers and suppliers, and offers a taste of home”.
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Fresh produce, meats, dairy and dry goods sourced in Guyana are packed, stored and transported offshore through a carefully planned supply chain. Stena Drilling explained that ensuring weeks of fresh food for crews more than 100 miles at sea “is a complex logistical operation that requires precision, coordination and reliability”.
Aboard the Stena Carron, menus reflect this commitment. Crew members enjoy avocados, cassava, butterfish, banga, tropical fruit juices and baked goods made with local flour and sugar. Stena Drilling said the integration of Guyanese produce “is not just logistical, it’s cultural”, giving Guyanese workers a strong connection to home and offering international staff exposure to local cuisine.
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Local hands play a central role in executing this model. The company reported that 43% of its Guyana-based workforce in 2024 were Guyanese, surpassing its 30% target, with many serving in the catering department. At the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo, Head Chef Kolis Batson said, “It was inspiring…being actively involved provided me with not just professional growth, but also a sense of pride in the work we all do.”
Stena Drilling has also strengthened domestic economic participation, spending more than US$85 million with Guyanese vendors by early 2025 and hosting Supplier Forums that encourage local businesses to engage directly with its procurement team.
Stena Drilling currently operates two rigs offshore Guyana alongside Noble Drilling’s fleet, supporting ExxonMobil’s exploration, appraisal and development drilling activities.
