Guyana’s Oil and Gas sector is rapidly growing. This is evident in the three new oil discoveries recorded last year along with the projected lifts for 2024. Revenue generated from this sector, which is mainly from crude volumes extracted and sold, significantly contributes to the progression of the country’s infrastructure and other sectors as the government pushes forward with its development agenda. As a result, the importance of accuracy and transparency cannot be overstated.
As the National Measurement Institute (NMI), the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) pursuant of Article 6 of the Petroleum Agreement, is delegated to perform the functions of the Minister as set out under Regulation 12 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Regulations. Hence, the GNBS is tasked with the monitoring of the custody transfer process to ensure there is accurate measurements during the lifting of crude from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels offshore Guyana.
In 2023, one new production platform was operationalised on the Stabroek Block moving the total to three. Inspectors of the GNBS’ Oil and Gas Department travelled offshore to the FPSO Vessels – Liza Destiny, Liza Unity and Prosperity – where they conducted gauging of storage tanks and proving/calibration of flow meters used during the custody transfers of crude. In addition, the Bureau Inspectors collected samples of crude and witnessed the Laboratory Analysis to determine quality of the crude offloaded.
Importantly, GNBS performs these monitoring activities in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards, which are recognized globally. In 2021, the GNBS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with API to strengthen knowledge and cooperation on safety guidelines and requirements for the industry. Through the MoU, the GNBS has adopted a list of API Standards as National Standards, has access API training opportunities based on the needs of the Bureau and the local industry, and benefits from information regarding updates to applicable regulations in the industry.
Further, the GNBS has increased capacity to conduct testing of crude oil to determine the API gravity, density, salt content, H2S (Hydrogen Sulphide) and the amount of sediment and water.
Looking forward, with the gas to energy project expected to come onstream shortly, the GNBS also will be monitoring of the metering process to support reliable measurements of this byproduct from the drilling for crude.
Consequently, to effectively discharge its responsibilities in the petroleum sector, the GNBS is consistently working to increase its human resources and build capacity to monitor the sector which will ensure the country receives value for its resources.
The GNBS, with support from the Government of Guyana and other partners in Standardisation, has pledged to provide quality measurement and other services in the oil and gas sector—both onshore and offshore—in the interest of the people of Guyana.
For more details on this and other services offered by the GNBS, contact the Bureau on telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 219-0065 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.
