Bourbon scores multi-year vessel gig with ExxonMobil in Guyana

December 10, 2025, by Melisa Cavcic

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), a subsidiary of the U.S.-headquartered oil and gas major ExxonMobil, has hired French maritime services player Bourbon on a long-term assignment off the coast of Guyana.

Months after winning a five-year deal with ExxonMobil in Angola, Bourbon has signed another five-year contract that contains extension options with the U.S. player’s subsidiary in Guyana for the provision of maritime services in the South American country.

The assignment will start in the first quarter of 2026, with the commissioning of the large platform supply vessel (PSV) Bourbon Calm and covers the transport of products essential to offshore operations in one of the world’s most dynamic oil basins.

Following the discovery of oil fields in 2015, Guyana turned into one of the fastest-growing offshore operations, with the planned commissioning of additional floating production, storage, and offloading units (FPSOs).

Bourbon has been supporting the development of this industry since 2019, thanks to the technical quality of its fleet and the expertise of its local teams. The solution proposed by the firm is said to be both competitive, sustainable and immediately operational.

The company claims that this contract marks a major step forward for the sector, as it allows the transport of chemicals in Guyana by a PSV for the first time in compliance with the OSV Chemical Code. As a result, the Bourbon Calm will become one of the few offshore vessels in the world authorized to carry out this type of operation.

Adjustments and upgrades have been made on board, including modifications to the pumping systems, enhanced tank cleaning and strengthened operational procedures, following validation by the maritime authorities and DNV classification society.

Karim Mebarek, Chief Commercial Officer of Bourbon, commented: “This new contract illustrates ExxonMobil Guyana’s confidence in Bourbon’s ability to offer safe, innovative, and economically efficient maritime solutions that comply with the highest regulatory standards.

“Thanks to its high-quality design and above-average liquid storage capacity, the Bourbon Calm meets high technical and environmental standards while ensuring optimal operational safety.”

ExxonMobil’s approved portfolio in Guyana entails the Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru, Whiptail, and Hammerhead. An eighth project, Longtail, is currently undergoing regulatory reviews.