Sixteen mega transformers, essential components of the Gas-to-Energy Project, have arrived in Guyana. The BBC Echo vessel delivered the transformers, successfully berthing at the Muneshwers Shipping Terminal before proceeding to the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) Houston Facility. This arrival represents a significant milestone in one of the country’s most substantial investments to date.
Of the sixteen transformers, seven were offloaded at GYSBI for LINDSAYCA CH4, the company contracted by the Government of Guyana to construct an integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) extraction plant and a 300MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant. The remaining nine transformers were discharged at Muneshwers Limited for Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), the Indian company awarded the contract for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services. KPIL will oversee the installation of transmission lines and substations for the integrated NGL plant and the 300MW CCGT power plant at Wales.
Notably, two of the transformers offloaded at Muneshwers Limited weighed 241 metric tons each, marking the heaviest cargo ever handled in Guyana.
“Once the transformers and supporting equipment were offloaded at Muneshwers, we were able to berth at GYSBI and take off the seven for LINDSAYCA CH4, put them directly on to trucks where they were strap lashed and secured and moved 2000 meters away to the GYSBI Industrial Site at McDoom. They will remain there in transit to the project site at Wales,” stated Greg Biddle, Business Development Manager at GYSBI.
In addition to handling the offloading and storage of the transformers, GYSBI has played a significant role in managing the required pipes for the gas pipeline running from offshore to onshore. The pipes began arriving at GYSBI in mid to late 2023, with the distribution campaign concluding in the late first quarter of 2024. In total, 8,544 joints were received, 8,461 joints were dispatched onto Project Support Vessels (PSVs), 1,410 transfers took place from GYSBI’s Annex to its Main Base using road trucks and trailers, 30 pipe load outs were completed onto PSVs, and 120 CCU Units of Project Support Equipment were managed.
GYSBI has also been supporting LINDSAYCA CH4 with Earth, Soil Remediation, and Surcharge works at the project site. Previously, GYSBI was contracted by ExxonMobil Guyana to execute the Early Civil Works at the location, including constructing five bridges, 4,800 meters of road (comprising an access road and a heavy haul road), and the initial site preparation for the Integrated Plant Site.
The project is managed by 260 staff members, 96 percent of whom are Guyanese and directly employed by GYSBI. Including third-party contractors and service providers, the site accommodates over 400 personnel daily.
The Gas-to-Energy Project is poised to significantly enhance Guyana’s energy capacity, supporting economic growth and sustainability. The government’s commitment to completing this gas-to-shore project is expected to reduce energy costs for Guyanese citizens by 50 percent.
