MERCHANT Marine Guyana has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with several international contracting companies to create a comprehensive “one-stop shop” aimed at supporting the development of Guyana’s burgeoning oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. This move, a significant milestone for the Guyanese company, forms part of a larger strategic alliance with leading UK-based companies, enhancing Merchant Marine’s position as an emerging player in the industry.

The alliance has been forged in part due to Merchant Marine’s active participation and sponsorship in events in Scotland over the past three years. The collaboration now includes global engineering giants such as KBR, Ledwood Mechanical Engineering (LME), and Ocean Kinetics, each bringing decades of expertise to the table.

One of the key partners, KBR, a renowned engineering powerhouse with offices worldwide, will provide crucial support in areas such as Business Case development, Concept design, and project management. KBR will also focus on evaluating capital expenditure (Capex), conducting environmental and social impact assessments, and exploring greener, cleaner energy solutions for Guyana’s energy sector.

Paul Bansil, Director of Consulting International at KBR, has already engaged with key figures in Guyana, including the President of the Guyana Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Kester Hutson, and the British High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname, Ms. Jane Miller OBE, further cementing KBR’s role in this exciting collaboration.

Ledwood Mechanical Engineering (LME), based in Wales, will oversee engineering procurement and construction (EPC) scopes within the alliance. Led by industry veteran Nick Revell, LME specialises in onshore design, fabrication, commissioning, and planned maintenance activities, with a proven track record in the oil and gas sector. Their Pembroke, Wales-based infrastructure will play a key role in supporting project fabrication and installation for projects in Guyana.

Ocean Kinetics, a Shetland-based company with offices in Aberdeen, will bring its expertise in marine engineering and sustainable aquaculture to the partnership. Known for its capabilities in both onshore and offshore marine engineering and diving, Ocean Kinetics is poised to contribute specialised resources that will help drive Guyana’s aquaculture ambitions, while also supporting the country’s energy transition toward clean and sustainable practices.

Under the leadership of Mr. Shaam Outar, Merchant Marine Guyana is positioned to compete for a wide range of projects in Guyana and across the region. The company aims to streamline project delivery by integrating excellence, expertise, and resources under a single umbrella, ensuring the efficient execution of projects from concept to completion.

“This strategic partnership will play a pivotal role in supporting Guyana’s rapidly expanding energy market and will align with the country’s vision for sustainable growth while respecting the environment,” said Outar. “Together, we can contribute to a cleaner, greener future for Guyana and the wider Caribbean region.”

This significant collaboration is also the result of the efforts of entrepreneur Mr. George Irvine, who played a key role in uniting this group of companies with specialised skills to form a local alliance in Guyana. Irvine’s initiative will help ensure that Guyana’s oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors continue to thrive with the support of world-class expertise.

Merchant Marine’s strategic move to establish this comprehensive alliance marks a bold step in the growth of Guyana’s energy sector. By combining the strengths of international and local partners, the company is set to play a leading role in shaping the future of the country’s energy landscape.