Merchant Marine Guyana Forms Strategic Alliance to Boost Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Development

MERCHANT Marine Guyana has entered into an innovative partnership with several international contracting companies to create a comprehensive one-stop shop aimed at supporting the development of Guyana’s growing oil, gas and renewable energy sectors. The move, a significant milestone for the Guyanese company, is part of a larger strategic alliance with leading UK companies, strengthening Merchant Marine’s position as a new player in the industry.

The Alliance was formed in part due to Merchant Marine’s active participation and sponsorship of events in Scotland over the past three years. The collaboration currently includes global engineering giants such as KBR, Ledwood Mechanical Engineering (LME) and Ocean Kinetics, each with decades of experience.

One of the key partners, KBR, a renowned engineering company with offices around the world, will provide critical support in areas such as business case development, conceptual design and project management. KBR will also focus on capital cost assessments (Capex), conducting environmental and social impact assessments and exploring cleaner energy solutions for Guyana’s energy sector.

Paul Bansil, Director of International Consulting 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 strengthening the role of KBR in this exciting collaboration.

Wales-based Ledwood Mechanical Engineering (LME) will oversee the engineering procurement and construction (EPC) scope of the alliance. LME, led by industry veteran Nick Revell, specializes in onshore engineering, fabrication, commissioning and scheduled maintenance, with a proven track record in the oil and gas sector. Their infrastructure, located in Pembroke, Wales, will play a key role in supporting the fabrication and installation of projects in Guyana.

Ocean Kinetics, a company headquartered in Shetland with an office in Aberdeen, will bring its expertise in marine engineering and sustainable aquaculture to the partnership. Renowned for its capabilities in both coastal and marine engineering and diving, Ocean Kinetics is poised to provide specialized resources to help realize Guyana’s aquaculture ambitions, as well as support the country’s energy transition towards clean and sustainable practices.

Under the leadership of Mr. Shaam Outar, Merchant Marine Guyana is able to compete for a wide range of projects in Guyana and throughout the region. The company strives to optimize project delivery by bringing together excellence, expertise and resources under a single structure, ensuring projects are carried out efficiently from concept to completion.

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

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

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