LNG

Italian oil and gas and LNG project engineering company Saipem, which has extensive global subsea and pipeline expertise, said it reached “new and important project” landmarks by contributing to the start of production of the Payara field, offshore the tiny nation of Guyana in the northeast corner of South America.

The start of production of the offshore oil field is the third project to which Saipem has contributed in the Stabroek Block

The field is operated by a consortium comprising US major ExxonMobil Corp, New York-based Hess Corp., currently being acquired by Chevron Corp., and the Chinese major China National Offshore Oil Corp.

Saipem contributed to the project development by providing engineering, procurement, construction and installation of the underwater facilities.

Saipem installed over 130 kilometres of thick rigid pipelines and risers in about 2,000 metres of water depth.

Guyana reserves

Guyana is among the leading oil and gas reserve holders in Latin America and will be a future large exporter of hydrocarbons along with Argentina, Brazil and Mexico as well as LNG producers Peru and Trinidad and Tobago.

The contract was fully released in 2020 by ExxonMobil Guyana and Saipem said its leading subsea assets such as “FDS2” and “Saipem Constellation” were deployed to carry out the project.

Furthermore, Saipem used its fabrication facility in Georgetown, Guyana, for the fabrication of 48 rigid jumpers, ensuring important local activity and jobs and enhancing sustainable investment in the country.

“Saipem has a consolidated presence in the country, having previously contributed to the development of the two phases of the Liza Project and to the start of the Yellowtail Project,” said the Milan-based company.

Guyana economic boost

The International Energy Agency noted that oil will be required for vehicle transport in the South American and Caribbean region well through 2050.

“Oil production has been rising in Brazil and Guyana, while it is in decline in Venezuela and Mexico,” said the IEA.

“Increased demand and prices for liquefied natural gas has also shone a spotlight on the important role played by LNG exporters such as Trinidad and Tobago and Peru in easing market tightness,” the Paris-based agency added.

Oil currently accounts for 86 percent of energy consumption today in the Latin American transport sector compared with 91 percent globally.

“The share of oil in road transport will decline below 80 percent by 2030 to around 40 percent by 2050,” said the IEA, forecasting that 60 percent of bus and other vehicle transport will come from the “growing use of electricity and bioenergy” vehicles.

“However, rising incomes also prompts an increase in the ownership of appliances and air conditioners, which are the main drivers of electricity consumption growth,” it added.