‘Essequibo 1899’ FPSO nears deployment as oil projects advance

Guyana’s offshore oil developments continue to progress at an accelerated pace, with multiple Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels moving ahead of schedule.
This was reported by President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Routledge highlighted strong progress on the Uaru project, noting that construction of its FPSO is nearing completion.
The vessel, named ‘Essequibo 1899’ by President Dr Irfaan Ali, is expected to sail to Guyana later this year, with production targeted before year-end.
“The FPSO in Singapore is almost complete. The majority, if not all, of the modules have been lifted onto the topsides,” Routledge said.
He added that the integration phase is now underway, involving complex pipework and wiring systems to ensure the facility operates seamlessly.
Routledge noted that 22 wells have so far been completed for the Uaru project, with the aim of securing as many as needed for start-up to meet the facility’s capacity.
He also reported progress on the Whiptail project, which will utilise the Jaguar FPSO.
“Again, the FPSO is in Singapore. They have begun lifting modules onto the topside of that FPSO, and it is making very good progress—ahead of budget, ahead of schedule. We anticipate that FPSO will arrive in Guyana next year, and we’ll start up the Whiptail project before the end of 2027,” Routledge said.
He added that a SURF installation campaign will take place in Guyana for the Whiptail project, with development wells already being drilled.