For nearly 10 years, the drillship Stena Carron has been a consistent presence off the coast of Guyana, supporting one of the world’s fastest-growing offshore oil provinces. Its Guyana journey began with a milestone—the Liza-2 discovery well in February 2016—which confirmed the scale of the Stabroek Block and set in motion one of the most significant deepwater development stories of the past decade.
From the outset, Stena Carron brought worldclass deepwater capability to the region. Designed to drill in water depths up to 10,000 feet (3,048 metres) and to total depths of 35,000 feet (10,668 metres), the vessel was purpose-built for highly technical wells. Ongoing upgrades—including managed pressure drilling capability, a wireline unit tower and expanded drilling fluid storage—have ensured the drillship remains a competitive and efficient offshore asset.
This capability has translated into exceptional operational performance. Across 10 years, Stena Carron has completed 86 well operations, drilling 241,358 metres—more than 240 kilometres— beneath the seabed. Operating in water depths reaching 2,935 metres, the vessel has consistently demonstrated technical resilience and reliability. Each successful well has contributed to the resource base driving Guyana’s rapid production growth and long-term energy development.
Stena Carron’s impact is defined not just by the number of wells drilled, but by the diversity and complexity of its work. The drillship has executed exploration wells, top-hole batch drilling and extensive well testing, recently completing its 28th well test in Guyana. This versatility highlights both the capability of the vessel and the crew’s ability to deliver high-quality outcomes across multiple phases of the well lifecycle.
During the height of Guyana’s exploration and appraisal activity, Stena Carron was joined by Stena DrillMAX, enabling a significant acceleration in drilling operations and discoveries. Together, the vessels underscored Stena Drilling’s long-term commitment to the development of Guyana’s offshore resources.
The technical story, however, is only part of the picture. Stena Carron’s story in Guyana is also about people. A defining element of Stena Carron’s decade in Guyana is the development of local talent. Today, more than 65% of crew members on Stena Carron and Stena DrillMAX are Guyanese nationals. Many began in entry-level positions and advanced through structured training programmes into more senior offshore and onshore roles.
The technical story, however, is only part of the picture. Stena Carron’s story in Guyana is also about people. A defining element of Stena Carron’s decade in Guyana is the development of local talent. Today, more than 65% of crew members on Stena Carron and Stena DrillMAX are Guyanese nationals. Many began in entry-level positions and advanced through structured training programmes into more senior offshore and onshore roles. Approximately 193 Guyanese crew members have served aboard Stena Carron over the past decade, strengthening national capability and ensuring that Guyanese citizens are central participants in the country’s offshore success.
Several Guyanese now hold key operational roles, including a Storeman, a Dynamic Positioning Officer, two Trainee Derrickmen, and onshore personnel such as an HSE Officer and an Administration and Local Content Officer. These long-serving employees reflect the depth of commitment and engagement within the local workforce.
This progress was highlighted at the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo, where Stena Carron crew members represented the company and shared insights with students and young professionals exploring energy-sector careers.
Innovation has also shaped the vessel’s decade in Guyana. Stena Carron has been at the forefront of introducing automation technologies, including Multi Machine Control (MMC) and the NOVOS drilling control system. These digital solutions enhance consistency, safety, and decision-making while reducing variability in complex offshore operations
Underlying every achievement is a strong performance culture built on planning, disciplined execution, safety leadership and continuous improvement. This mindset continues to guide the team as new wells and new opportunities emerge in Guyanese waters.
Stena Drilling’s contribution extends onshore as well, with support for numerous community initiatives, including school sports programmes, youth development organisations and cultural groups—reinforcing the company’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of Guyana’s energy growth extend to local communities.
As Guyana’s offshore sector expands, Stena Carron remains well-positioned to play a pivotal role. With proven technology, experienced crews and deep local engagement, the vessel stands as a symbol of partnership, progress and professionalism—providing a strong foundation for the next chapter of Guyana’s remarkable deepwater journey.
