-As TOFCO prepares to establish base in Guyana
GUYANESE will soon be able to tap into more jobs in the oil and gas sector, as Trinidad Offshore Fabricators Unlimited (TOFCO) moves to establish a local base to make subsea fabricated structures for ExxonMobil’s Liza-1 development.
The Trinidadian company has partnered with Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services to build subsea structures locally, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TOFCO, Graham Balchin in an invited comment, on Thursday.
Balchin said the subsea structure is the connection point from the well-heads on the seabed through to the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
“There are a number of these structures and the ones we have now have been fabricated in Trinidad for ExxonMobil through Saipem,” said Balchin, adding that TOFCO is the only company which is building the subsea pipeline for the Liza-1 well.
The Liza discovery was announced by ExxonMobil in May 2015. Liza-1 well was the first significant oil find offshore Guyana. It encountered more than 295 feet (90 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. It was safely drilled to 17,825 feet (5,433 meters) in 5,719 feet (1,743 meters) of water.
“As opposed to building the structures in Trinidad for the Liza-1 development, we would like to have a similar set-up here to do these subsea poles and fabricated structures,” said Balchin.
The CEO said the company is in the process of identifying a plot of land for the establishment of a base for the project. He said they are, however, hoping to establish the facility between Georgetown and Farm on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
Once established, the facility will have a staff complement of Guyanese workers, who will be taken to Trinidad for training.
TOFCO is a world-class provider with over a decade of expertise in fabrication, construction and offshore services for the oil and gas industry.
According to TOFCO’s website, the company’s commitment to innovation, which is in direct response to addressing the evolving needs of varied clients, has played a major role in its development. Arriving at creative solutions that respond to each client’s challenge has allowed TOFCO to accomplish its goal of sustainable growth, becoming a remarkable illustration of local achievement.
Established in 2004 as a joint venture of Chet Morrison Contractors LLC., a Houma, LA-based company, and Weldfab Ltd. of Trinidad, TOFCO has become a highly valued supplier of comprehensive construction and maintenance services.
The company is recognised for its outstanding safety standards and superior work, and is known as a one-stop solution for the highest quality fabrication and support needs for the oil and gas industry.
The company has progressed from a sole focus on the offshore business to work on refineries and petrochemical plants. Diversifying its operations has allowed TOFCO a greater agility, leading the company to explore prospects that will ensure even more sustainable growth.
With a strong view to capitalise on opportunities in international markets, TOFCO has attracted attention beyond our nation’s shores, from as far as South Africa and South America. The company has hosted government officials from countries such as Brazil, Guyana, Venezuela, Ghana and Nigeria, all of whom have expressed interest in adopting TOFCO’s business model.
