ExxonMobil deploys technology to protect Guyanese offshore gas pipeline

January 28, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

U.S.-headquartered oil major ExxonMobil has deployed marine safety technology from Sentinel Proactive to safeguard a subsea pipeline system off the coast of Guyana to which its “first major offshore project in the Stabroek Block” is connected.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Liza development is connected to the Gas to Energy subsea pipeline system, which will provide gas onshore for domestic uses, including a 300 MW combined cycle power plant.

With vessel traffic increasing throughout Guyana’s coastal zone and to address anchoring hazards near shore, ExxonMobil has integrated Sentinel Proactive’s Virtual Aids to Navigation (VAtoNs) to make the precise pipeline location visible on vessel navigation systems.

The platform is said to bring together continuous monitoring, automated detection, and direct-to-bridge alerting to prevent incidents.

According to Sentinel Proactive, the VAtoNs allow mariners to recognize restricted areas earlier and adjust course before entering zones where anchoring or unexpected maneuvers could endanger subsea assets.

In addition, multi-layered protection zones extending along the length of the pipeline corridor have been established. As vessels approach these zones, the system automatically issues escalating automatic identification system (AIS) safety messages, including notifications when vessels first enter the wider awareness area and if they continue toward the pipeline corridor, as well as instructions to crews to avoid anchoring or to take immediate corrective action.

“Safeguarding what matters most requires both vigilance and innovation,” said Duncan Richards, Director at Sentinel Proactive. “Our deployment in Guyana enables crews to recognize risk earlier, respond faster, and operate with greater confidence—helping protect vital offshore infrastructure and the environment.”

ExxonMobil Guyana is the operator and holds a 45% interest in the Stabroek block. Its partners are Hess Guyana Exploration with a 30% interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana with a 25% interest.