SBM Offshore Guyana hosted another edition of its ‘Let’s Talk Local Content’ forum at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo on February 21. A press release said that this year, the company was proud to be the corporate local content partner for the event. The seminar saw the participation of local vendors and organisations which provided a platform for meaningful discussions about the company’s procurement process, key vendor requirements, compliance guidelines, and local content initiatives.
The release said that the forum enabled one-on-one interactions between suppliers and company representatives from several core departments, including supply chain, compliance, local content, and HSSE. The event featured two break-out sessions. One focused on providing key insights into the company’s procurement process and targeted new and potential suppliers and while providing commercial and technical insights into the procurement process, the release said.
The second session highlighted procurement needs for Brownfield projects, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction projects and insights into spare parts needs along with the specifications for the parts purchased along with maintenance requirements by the company and targeted existing suppliers and those wishing to enhance their offerings to meet the growing sector needs, it added.
The release said that suppliers and attendees interested in better understanding the company had fruitful discussions addressing several queries and concerns. Essential insights were provided into the company’s procurement framework, guiding businesses — particularly those that have not previously worked with SBM Offshore Guyana — on how to effectively engage with it.
Additionally, a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel immersive experience session was held, utilising innovative technology that provided participants with an in-depth view of the FPSO. A model of the Liza Unity FPSO was also on display throughout the final day of the conference.
According to the release, SBM Offshore Guyana General Manager Martin Cheong, in his opening remarks, said, “We remain committed to collaborating closely with local suppliers. This is accomplished through a number of initiatives and activities such as this forum, where local suppliers are updated on our procurement process and given an opportunity to have their questions answered.” Meanwhile, Local Content Secretariat Director Dr Martin Pertab underscored the need for local content development and partnerships, the release said. The secretariat also took the opportunity to launch the Local Content App, a digital tool designed to improve access to opportunities in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.
Dr Pertab described the app as a solution to persistent challenges in the sector. “In the past, companies relied on our website and social media to find opportunities. However, algorithms can limit visibility, and businesses have to constantly monitor these platforms,” he was quoted as saying. As part of the engagement, an informational exchange with Cheong and Sustainability Lead Gwenetta Fordyce underscored the importance of sustainable development and the company’s unwavering commitment to building out a business that is impactful in areas beyond the oil and gas sector in Guyana, the release said.
In their exchange with the participants the duo highlighted the work being done with the National Coordinating Coalition, Vurlon Mills Football Academy, and the Green Farms Initiative which supports Plympton Farm, it added. These initiatives support the drive to build local capacity both from a human capital and supply chain perspective. The SBM release said that local content development remains a key pillar in its operations and it remains committed to building local capacity and supporting initiatives that enhance the development of communities across Guyana. The forum is one of several routine activities conducted by SBM Offshore Guyana each year, in keeping with its support for local content development, the release said.
