Italy’s Saipem Supports ExxonMobil in Bringing Fourth Oil Project Online in Guyana
Italy’s renowned engineering, drilling, and construction services giant, Saipem, has once again joined forces with U.S.-based ExxonMobil to facilitate the launch of its fourth oil project on the Stabroek block off the coast of Guyana.
With a successful track record in large-scale deepwater developments with ExxonMobil Guyana, including projects like Liza Phase 1 and 2, Payara, and Uaru, Saipem played a crucial role in accelerating the production start-up of the Yellowtail field by nearly four months.
After securing a contract for the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the subsea umbilical, riser, and flowline (SURF) system for the Yellowtail project following a final investment decision (FID) in 2022, Saipem’s FDS2 J-lay vessel successfully completed the installation of the rigid flowline and steel lazy wave risers in an early 2024 campaign. The Constellation vessel later finalized the installation of flexible risers, umbilicals, and the connection of the pre-laid rigid riser to SBM Offshore’s FPSO One Guyana in 2025.
The Normand Samson multi-support vessel (MSV) also played a crucial role in the offshore campaign, contributing to subsea pre-commissioning, surveys, light construction, and the installation of flowline jumpers fabricated at Saipem’s yard in Georgetown.
Saipem emphasized its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality throughout all offshore and onshore activities, ensuring timely completion. The company’s focus on sustainability and local development underscores its dedication to fostering economic growth and the advancement of specialized skills within local communities and stakeholders.
ExxonMobil’s ambitious plans for the Stabroek block include the deployment of six FPSOs with a gross production capacity exceeding 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by the end of 2027. With estimated gross discovered recoverable resources surpassing 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent, the potential use of up to ten FPSOs has also been hinted at for future development.