MODEC’s FPSO reaches Guyana as ExxonMobil’s fifth oil project nears start-up

August 24, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Japan’s MODEC has announced the arrival of a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel in Guyanese waters ahead of its deployment on a project in the Stabroek block, as the development moves closer to first oil expected later this year.

MODEC’s FPSO Errea Wittu, which was developed for ExxonMobil Guyana, a subsidiary of the U.S.-headquartered oil and gas giant ExxonMobil, has come to Guyana, where it will undergo final offshore preparations and commissioning ahead of first oil from the Stabroek block operator’s fifth project that integrates the development of the Snoek, Mako, and Uaru resources in the South American country on the continent’s northeastern Atlantic coast.

Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, in its announcement from August 21, 2026, welcoming the FPSO’s arrival, discloses the timeline for the unit’s start-up, which is expected to be in September 2026, with first oil from the ExxonMobil-operated Uaru field expected in Q4 2026. MODEC is working closely with its client and local stakeholders to ensure the safe, efficient integration of the vessel into the country’s offshore operations while supporting long-term value creation for the nation and the wider region.

Soichi Ide, Head of MODEC’s Floating Production Solutions Business Unit, highlighted: “This achievement underscores our one-team approach, commitment to excellence, and deep technical expertise developed over decades of offshore operations. It also highlights the strength of global collaboration among MODEC, our partners and the local communities in Guyana.

“From early-stage engineering, procurement, and construction to onshore commissioning and final delivery, every step was made possible through teamwork. Most importantly, it reflects our continued commitment to delivering offshore energy solutions safely, reliably, sustainably, and with industry-leading performance.”

This FPSO is the Japanese firm’s first for use in Guyana and its 18th FPSO/FSO project delivered for operations in South America. The construction of the unit is based on MODEC’s new-built hull design, featuring a full double hull and a larger topsides deck area to accommodate high-capacity processing systems.

The vessel is also equipped with a gas turbine combined cycle system, which helps reduce CO2 emissions and supports more efficient operations. These design features are said to enhance reliability and ensure long-term productivity while minimizing environmental footprint through advanced technologies and best practices.

“The FPSO’s advanced design supports future remote operations from shore, while its AI-enabled systems help predict equipment failures, reduce emissions, and enhance process safety insights — enabling smarter, safer, and more sustainable operations,” emphasized the Japanese company.

The FPSO Errea Wittu, which will be deployed approximately 200 kilometers offshore Guyana, at a water depth of 1,690 meters, using a SOFEC spread mooring system, will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil. MODEC will also provide ExxonMobil Guyana with operations and maintenance services for the vessel, reinforcing its role not only as a delivery partner, but as a long-term lifecycle partner.

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The arrival of FPSO Errea Wittu signals the beginning of the Japanese firm’s longer-term commitment to Guyana. MODEC is focused on supporting local development through collaboration with Guyanese stakeholders, knowledge sharing, skills development, and meaningful contributions that create lasting value in-country.

The Uaru field is estimated to hold more than 800 million barrels of oil. The FPSO Errea Wittu will produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day and will have a gas treatment capacity of 540 million cubic feet per day. The unit will have a water injection capacity of 350,000 bpd, a produced water capacity of 300,000 bpd, and a storage capacity of 2 million barrels of crude oil.

ExxonMobil Guyana made a final investment decision (FID) for Uaru in April 2023. The company holds a 45% interest in the Stabroek block, with Hess Guyana Exploration (30%) and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana (25%) as partners. The estimated investment costs for the project amount to $12.7 billion.

The operator is continuing to develop other projects on the Stabroek block as well, as illustrated by the FID for the block’s sixth development, Whiptail, which came in 2024, followed by approval of the seventh project, Hammerhead, with MODEC tasked with the delivery of a new FPSO unit, which will be deployed at the field.

In addition, SBM Offshore secured contracts a few months ago to perform front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies for an FPSO destined for the Longtail oil development project, which is ExxonMobil’s eighth project offshore Guyana.