GUYANA’S offshore oil and gas sector is undergoing a technological transformation that extends far beyond extracting hydrocarbons from beneath the seabed. ExxonMobil Guyana’s growing deployment of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping how the industry operates, with profound implications for safety, efficiency and environmental stewardship.
This evolution positions Guyana not merely as an oil producer, but as the paradigm for some of the most sophisticated industrial technologies deployed anywhere in the world.
At the heart of this transformation lies AI-powered autonomous drilling, a proprietary system that ExxonMobil has deployed across its deepwater Guyana operations. This technology analyses vast streams of drilling data in real time, determining optimal parameters that maximise safety and efficiency while minimising technical complications. The system operates in what engineers call a “closed-loop” automation mode, where AI controls the drilling process with minimal human intervention. This frees rig personnel to focus on strategic oversight rather than constant manual adjustments, fundamentally changing the nature of offshore work.
When every hour of unplanned downtime can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and potentially compromise safety, the safety benefits prove particularly significant. Predictive maintenance systems, powered by real-time data analytics, continuously monitor equipment across the FPSOs operating in Guyanese waters.
Remote monitoring tools such as Discovery 6, one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, enable engineers to track performance parameters and identify potential risks early, improving response times and ensuring continuous safe operations. These systems identify potential mechanical failures or performance degradation before they become critical issues, allowing engineers to schedule maintenance during planned downtime rather than responding to emergency breakdowns.
ExxonMobil has also implemented Marlin VTA, an AI-driven maritime awareness system that provides 24/7 monitoring of vessel movements in the offshore operational area. This technology creates a comprehensive operational picture that enables informed decision-making and significantly enhances maritime safety. With dozens of support vessels, supply ships and other marine traffic operating in proximity to production facilities, this situational awareness proves critical for preventing incidents and coordinating complex offshore logistics.
Beyond immediate operational improvements, AI is enabling discoveries that expand Guyana’s petroleum potential. The technology assists in analysing deeper geological zones within the Stabroek Block, contributing to new reservoir identifications that continue to increase the country’s proven reserves. This demonstrates how advanced technology does not simply optimise existing operations but actively creates new economic value.
These technological advances align remarkably well with the Government’s broader ambitions to position the nation as a regional technology hub. President Ali recently met with the CEO of Cerebras, a company specialising in AI development and training. That engagement has since progressed to an MoU between the Government of Guyana and Cerebras for the development of a 100 MW data centre.
The planned facility would benefit directly from the natural gas pipeline supporting the Gas-to-Energy project, which is expected to provide reliable, behind-the-meter power to the data centre. Together, these developments strengthen the very vision discussed during those meetings, linking Guyana’s emerging energy infrastructure with its technological ambitions.
This convergence between industrial technology and the national digital development strategy accelerates and creates unique opportunities for Guyanese professionals. Young Guyanese pursuing careers in data science, engineering or technology fields now have tangible pathways into an industry deploying world-class systems locally, rather than needing to seek opportunities abroad.
Ongoing training programmes for local engineers, technicians and data specialists ensure that Guyanese workers are not merely operating advanced systems, but also gaining the expertise to manage and innovate with them. As a result, when more oil and gas companies embrace advanced technology, Guyanese workers may find themselves ahead of the curve, having already gained practical experience with these systems. This investment in human capacity also ensures that as technology evolves, local expertise evolves with it.
Looking forward, the integration of AI and advanced technology into Guyana’s oil and gas sector represents more than operational optimisation. It signals the advancement of a petroleum industry where data analysis, predictive systems and technological innovation become as important as traditional engineering disciplines. For a young nation building its industrial capacity, this represents an opportunity to leapfrog older operational models and establish world-class standards from the outset.
The path ahead requires continued investment in both physical infrastructure and human capital. As AI systems become more sophisticated and data requirements grow, Guyana’s ability to support these technologies domestically through robust digital infrastructure and skilled professionals will determine whether the country captures the full value of this technological revolution or remains dependent on external expertise.
For now, the evidence suggests Guyana is moving decisively towards technological leadership in its most important industry, with benefits that will ripple across the economy for decades.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.