– Offers cutting-edge training for a range of specialized oil and gas operations
Guyana, a rising star in the global energy landscape, has reached a significant milestone with the launch of its state-of-the-art Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facilities simulator, aptly named FacTor. This cutting-edge initiative is a vital step forward in Guyana’s strategic vision to establish itself as a premier destination for top-tier opportunities in the energy industry.
Developed through a collaborative partnership between the Government of Guyana and the high-powered consortium operating in the Stabroek Block—ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Hess, and CNOOC—and SBM Offshore Guyana, FacTor represents a substantial investment of USD13 million (GYD2.6 billion). This initial phase, a pivotal component of the broader Guyana Technical Training College Inc. located at Port Mourant in Berbice, shows a steadfast commitment to nurturing local talent and expertise in alignment with the country’s ambitious energy aspirations.
Understanding FacTor
At the core of the FacTor training site lies a meticulously designed environment that mirrors real-life plant conditions, offering a comprehensive suite of classrooms, workshops, and the signature FacTor module. This multifaceted facility is a hub for hands-on training across multiple programs, empowering trainees to navigate operational practices, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks within a simulated yet realistic environment.
Safety is the cornerstone of the FacTor ecosystem. By utilizing mediums like water and air, the facility ensures a secure training environment free from potentially hazardous gases or liquids. Central to its infrastructure are several essential pieces of equipment meticulously arranged to replicate the intricate operational conditions inherent in FPSO work processes, all within a controlled setting.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Technicians
FacTor is poised to herald a new era of highly skilled professionals primed to propel the oil and gas sector to unprecedented success. With a capacity to host up to 24 trainees per batch across four specialized disciplines—Mechanical, Instrumentation, Electrical, and Production—the facility upholds esteemed industrial standards recognized globally in the oil, gas, and energy sectors. Operated by SBM Offshore, the constructor of nearly all FPSOs in the Stabroek Block, FacTor embodies excellence in training and development.
FacTor is more than a mere educational enclave; it is intended to be a gateway to tangible career opportunities offshore. By imparting industry-required competencies and skills to trainees, the facility equips them for pivotal roles within the sector, catalyzing local capacity-building and fostering sustainable growth in Guyana’s energy landscape.
Unlocking Boundless Potential
The arrival of FacTor heralds a seismic shift in the educational landscape, offering a pathway for aspiring technicians to unlock their full potential. The inclusive recruitment strategy draws upon diverse local talents as training is open to all Guyanese who meet its entry requirements.
The comprehensive and flexible training programs offer multiple simulated training modules meticulously crafted to mimic real-world challenges. Through these immersive experiences, trainees acquire the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-evolving offshore work environments. From mastering tanker offload procedures to navigating complex stability dynamics, FacTor primes trainees for the rigors of FPSO operations.
The maiden cohort of students came from the University of Guyana, New Amsterdam and Linden technical institutes, and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre at Port Mourant. This diverse intake of students across educational institutions reflects a firm commitment to cultivating local talent inclusively and fostering a robust, indigenous energy sector.
According to the President of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali, the facility unlocks vast new opportunities for the South American nation. “This opportunity allows us to get access to new capital markets…to the serious, sophisticated investors,” he told Newsweek.
The new specialized training facility signals commitment to nurturing local talent and constructing a flourishing domestic energy sector. As trainees embark on their academic journeys within its walls, they lay the foundations for a brighter, more affluent future for themselves and their nation.
