Saipem has successfully completed its designated scope of work for the Yellowtail development in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, a deepwater project operated by ExxonMobil Guyana. Awarded the contract in 2022, Saipem was responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of the subsea umbilical, riser, and flowline system. With installation campaigns carried out by the FDS2 J-lay and Saipem Constellation vessels, supported by the Normand Samson, the company delivered on schedule and to the highest standards of safety and quality.
A landmark development
The Yellowtail project marks a milestone not just for ExxonMobil and its partners, but for the nation’s oil industry as a whole. As the fourth and largest offshore project yet launched in the block, Yellowtail brings initial production of 250,000 barrels per day and storage for more than two million barrels aboard the FPSO ONE GUYANA, the largest vessel ever deployed in Guyana’s waters.
With Yellowtail’s start-up, Guyana’s total installed production capacity now exceeds 900,000 barrels per day. The project cements the country’s position as one of the fastest-growing oil producers globally. The Stabroek Block itself remains one of the most significant discoveries of the past decade, with recoverable resources of more than 11 billion barrels.
Global contractors driving execution
According to EPCIntel.com database, Yellowtail engaged some of the energy sector’s biggest contractors. Saipem’s subsea EPCI work was central to the project’s delivery. At the same time, SBM Offshore was responsible for designing and delivering the ONE GUYANA FPSO, while EnerMech provided vital pre-commissioning services. TechnipFMC also played a crucial role, delivering six risers and the subsea production system, ensuring seamless integration with the wider development. Together, these contractors brought the project online ahead of schedule and at world-class execution standards.
The FPSO ONE GUYANA
At the core of the Yellowtail project is the ONE GUYANA FPSO, designed and delivered by SBM Offshore under a front-end engineering and design contract awarded in 2021. With its 250,000 bpd processing capacity and two million barrels of storage, it represents a step-change in offshore capability for the country. Pre-commissioning was handled by EnerMech, which performed riser leak testing, gas riser de-watering, and umbilical fiber-optic testing to ensure operational readiness.
Scale, scope, and investment
The project encompassed six drill centers, about 26 production wells, and 25 injection wells, with total investment estimated at around ten billion dollars. Despite its complexity, Yellowtail was delivered four months ahead of schedule—an exceptional achievement in modern deepwater developments. This continues ExxonMobil’s track record in Guyana, where Liza Phase 1 and 2 and Payara also came online on or ahead of schedule.
Building for the future
Yellowtail is a cornerstone in Guyana’s transformation into a global energy hub. ExxonMobil’s long-term plans include expanding production capacity to 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030. Upcoming projects such as Uaru, Whiptail, Hammerhead, and Longtail will further reinforce this trajectory, positioning Guyana as one of the most dynamic frontiers in offshore oil.
Conclusion
Yellowtail represents far more than another offshore oilfield. It is a demonstration of world-class project execution, global collaboration, and strategic foresight. With leading contractors such as Saipem, SBM Offshore, and EnerMech at its core, the project underscores Guyana’s rise as a new force in global energy.
