Local company inks MoU with international contracting companies

-to support development of Guyana’s oil, gas

A Guyana-registered company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several international contracting companies to establish a comprehensive “one-stop shop” to support the development of Guyana’s oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.

Merchant Marine announced in a release yesterday, the achievement of a significant milestone by forming a global strategic alliance with a number of prominent UK-based companies following its sponsorship and participation in events in Scotland over the past three years.

Merchant Marine, founded in 2009, is a privately-owned and managed marine service provider with specialities in procurement and supply of marine and offshore spares, equipment, consumable and specialty items, and technical support primarily focused on the maritime and oil & gas industries.

The release explained that this strategic move positions Merchant Marine as an emerging player in the Guyanese oil and gas sector with the backing of leading engineering and offshore support companies from Scotland, England & Wales. The following companies have signed up to date and more have expressed interest in becoming part of this exciting alliance.

KBR Inc – a global engineering company with offices in the UK, USA and other international locations has joined the group. The involvement of KBR allows Merchant Marine full access to their global engineering and project management resources. Specific support for this alliance will focus on business case development and concept design and selection for a wide range of energy facilities.

In addition, KBR will conduct capex evaluations using their Digitalization and Technology Assessments, and conduct environmental and social impact assessments including the identification of a new portfolio of greener, cleaner options and solutions as part of its feasibility studies.

Director of Consulting International at KBR, Paul Bansil, has already had discussions with the president of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kester Hutson, and British High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname, Jane Miller and he will lead KBR’s support to this initiative.

Ledwood Mechanical Engineering (LME) – a company based in Wales is headed by industry veteran, Nick Revell. Its task will be to oversee any Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) scope and will use their existing infrastructure in Pembroke, Wales, to support project fabrication and installation, adding further depth of experience to the consortium. LME specialises in onshore design, fabrication, commissioning, turnaround, and planned maintenance activities.

Ocean Kinetics (OK) – a Shetland-based company with offices in Aberdeen and other locations in UK are known for their global reach in onshore and offshore marine engineering and diving expertise. Their proven experience in the sustainable aquaculture business enables them to contribute their specialised resources and services teams to the consortium, thereby enhancing its capabilities.

According to the release, the combined expertise of Ocean Kinetics and Merchant Marine creates a powerful blend of marine engineering and renewable energy innovation that will drive forward Guyana’s aquaculture ambitions while ensuring that its energy transition is based on proven clean, sustainable practices. As such, Guyana will learn from Shetland’s successes in creating a resilient and diversified economy which will position the country as a leader in sustainable aquaculture and renewable energy development in the region.

“Merchant Marine under the leadership of Mr. Shaam Outar, stand ready to compete for a wide range of projects in Guyana and across the region supported by a team of industry-leading partners with experience in offshore and onshore developments in a fast-growing province.

The strategic partnership aims to streamline project delivery by integrating excellence, expertise, and resources under one umbrella ensuring the efficient execution of work from concept to completion.

Also acknowledged was the role of entrepreneur, George Irvine, who played a pivotal role in bringing together a unique group of companies with a special set of skills to form a local alliance in Guyana, the release added.