WHEN most people think about Guyana’s oil and gas industry, they picture supply vessels, drilling operations and large vessels in the ocean. And while these are essential parts of the industry, they are only one piece of a much bigger picture. Behind every offshore operation is a vast network of people and businesses providing the goods and services needed to keep the industry running safely and efficiently. Together, this network is known as the supply chain.
In simple terms, the supply chain is the system of people, businesses, products and services that support an industry from start to finish. In the energy sector, it includes far more than engineering and drilling. Every offshore project also depends on logistics, transportation, warehousing, catering, health and safety services, equipment maintenance, environmental support, information technology, accounting, legal services, communications and many other professional services.
Understanding this is important because opportunities in the energy sector are often much broader than people realise. A company does not necessarily have to provide specialised oilfield services to contribute to the industry. Many local businesses already possess valuable skills and expertise that can support offshore operations—they simply need to understand where they fit within the wider supply chain.
As Guyana’s energy sector continues to grow, so too will the range of goods and services required to support it. Exploration, construction, production and maintenance each create different business needs, meaning opportunities will continue to evolve as the industry matures. Businesses that understand these changing requirements will be better positioned to identify where they can add value.
However, understanding where your business fits is only the beginning. Companies seeking to participate must also be prepared to meet the industry’s expectations. The energy sector places a strong emphasis on safety, quality, reliability and efficiency. Depending on the service being offered, this may involve strengthening business systems, investing in workforce training, improving health and safety practices, obtaining relevant certifications or developing the capacity to deliver consistently.
Preparation should begin well before an opportunity becomes available. Waiting until a procurement notice is published may leave businesses without the time needed to meet industry requirements. Instead, companies can use the period before opportunities arise to strengthen their operations, build their capabilities and better understand how procurement processes work.
Fortunately, Guyanese businesses do not have to navigate this journey alone. The Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) offers supplier-readiness programmes, business advisory services and oil and gas training designed to help local companies better understand industry requirements and improve their competitiveness. These programmes can help businesses identify gaps, strengthen their operations and prepare for future opportunities.
Businesses should also take advantage of supplier engagement opportunities hosted throughout the year. Vendor forums, procurement workshops and supplier outreach sessions organised by companies such as ExxonMobil Guyana, SBM Offshore Guyana, MODEC and other industry stakeholders provide valuable insights into procurement processes, upcoming business needs and supplier expectations. These engagements allow businesses to ask questions, better understand industry standards, the range of procurement opportunities available and position themselves for future participation.
Guyana’s energy industry is creating opportunities across a wide range of sectors, but success begins with understanding how the industry works. The supply chain demonstrates that oil and gas is supported not only by offshore operations, but also by hundreds of businesses working onshore every day. By taking the time to understand where they fit, strengthening their capabilities and making use of the training and supplier development resources available, Guyanese businesses can be better prepared to compete and contribute as the country’s energy sector continues to evolve.
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.