The Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc. (VEHSI), a state-of-the-art US$300 million facility, was officially inaugurated on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in Guyana’s maritime and energy sectors.
This shore base, located on a 44-acre artificial island, is poised to play a critical role in supporting ExxonMobil Guyana’s offshore operations while setting the stage for further development in the oil and gas industry.
VEHSI is a joint venture between Guyanese-owned NRG Holdings and the international maritime infrastructure company Jan De Nul. Completed in December 2024, the project represents a key step in establishing Guyana as a major regional transport and logistics hub.
The Facility Features VEHSI shore base will serve multiple purposes essential to Guyana’s burgeoning energy sector, including Support for Offshore Operations and facilitating the installation and storage of offshore subsea equipment.
Emergency Response Infrastructure: Hosting critical equipment such as a capping stack. Fabrication of Key Structures: Including pipeline end termination structures (PLETS) and flowline end termination structures (FLETS).
Additionally, this facility forms the foundation for the broader “Port of Vreed-en-Hoop” project, with future phases set to expand its capacity and offerings. ExxonMobil Guyana has entered into a 20-year agreement with VEHSI to utilize the shore base, solidifying it as a cornerstone of its long-term operations.
Speaking at the event, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge emphasised the partnership’s importance, noting “This is the beginning of a 20-year contract… We look forward to supporting further investments for the expansion of this port.”
Routledge also highlighted the competitive selection process, noting that VEHSI emerged as the preferred choice out of 20 proposals submitted globally.
Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali, addressing the gathering at the ceremony under the theme “Building a Bright Tomorrow for Guyana,” underscored the broader implications of the project for the country.
He described VEHSI as a vital asset for developing a world-class marine industry, stating, “This is that one additional asset that allows us to build one of the best marine industries and marine sectors in the region. It positions us to build a key transport and logistics hub.”
President Ali also highlighted the government’s complementary initiatives, including plans for a deep-water port, a second gas-to-energy project, and a refinery.
Together with VEHSI, these ventures aim to transform Guyana into a regional economic powerhouse. VEHSI Director Andron Alphonso credited the project’s success to bold thinking and strong support from the government and key stakeholders.
He emphasised that VEHSI represents just the beginning of the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop’s development, stating, “There is more to come.”
The opening of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase marks a significant step forward for Guyana’s energy sector and positions the country as a vital player in the global oil and gas supply chain.
