Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 19, Saipem, an Italy-based engineering and construction services company, has collaborated with ExxonMobil to initiate production at the Yellowtail oil field on Guyana’s Stabroek block, achieving an early start-up by nearly four months. This marks Saipem’s fourth deepwater project with ExxonMobil Guyana, following successful contributions to the Liza Phase 1 and 2, Payara, and Uaru projects.

SBM Offshore's FPSO One Guyana at ExxonMobil-operated Yellowtail

In 2022, after ExxonMobil’s final investment decision, Saipem secured a contract for the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of the subsea umbilical, riser, and flowline system for Yellowtail. The installation process began in early 2024, with Saipem’s FDS2 J-lay vessel completing the rigid flowline and steel lazy wave risers. The campaign concluded in 2025, with the Constellation vessel installing flexible risers, umbilicals, and connecting the pre-laid rigid riser to SBM Offshore’s FPSO One Guyana. The Normand Samson multi-support vessel supported the project from mid-2024, handling subsea pre-commissioning, surveys, light construction, and the installation of flowline jumpers fabricated at Saipem’s Georgetown yard.

Saipem stated: “All offshore and onshore activities adhered to the highest standards of safety and quality and were completed on schedule. Saipem remains committed to delivering innovative engineering and technological solutions in challenging geological settings such as the Stabroek Block. The company integrates acquired expertise with a focus on sustainability and local development and will continue to collaborate closely with local communities and stakeholders, fostering economic growth and the development of specialised skills onsite.”

ExxonMobil aims to operate six floating production, storage, and offloading units (FPSOs) at the Stabroek block by the end of 2027, achieving a gross production capacity exceeding 1.2 million barrels of oil per day. The company has also indicated potential plans to deploy up to ten FPSOs to develop the block’s estimated recoverable resources of over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

This collaboration highlights Saipem’s expertise in complex deepwater projects and its commitment to supporting sustainable development and local economic growth in Guyana’s offshore energy sector.