Galeota Port Development Project

The development of a port at Point Galeota provides an excellent opportunity to facilitate the activities of exploration and production (E&P) companies, while generating both onshore and offshore economic activity in Guayaguayare. 

An independent consultant study confirmed that demand was positive from current E&P oil majors and service companies. Increased exploration of Guyana’s energy potential would create additional demand for utilization of Port Galeota. Commercial discoveries off the east coast have also bolstered confidence in developing a port at Galeota. Larger workboats and seagoing vessels would be required in the future and could be accommodated at Galeota.

Port Galeota was designed to provide identical berthing space for five berths–  four berths to a dredge depth of 7.6m. The fifth will be utilized by the Coast Guard with a dredge depth of  5.6m. An additional three hectares (ha) of reclaimed land would be provided to augment the existing five ha of backland for storage and a warehouse for materials.

The new berth for the Coast Guard with adequate backland was also included to replace the three metre pier currently used. NEC conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in fulfillment of the requirements for the grant of a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

In accordance with the Terms of Reference from the EMA, a commitment from NEC identified the provision of a Fish Landing Facility at Guayaguayare. This facility was located on a 0.7ha reclamation with coastal protection in an active bay in Guayaguayare, adjacent to the existing unplanned fish landing on the beach facilities. The socio-economic impact study in the EIA identified that the Guayaguayare community should be supported with the single, viable alternative employment opportunity, fishing.

NEC demonstrated the energy sector’s support of other productive sectors of the economy through this initiative which offers innumerable benefits: fresh water, sanitary facilities, waste disposal, no pollution from external sources, adequate vending stalls, fish storage, ice-making facilities, phyto-sanitary provisions and durable construction for a marine environment. It is a remarkable achievement of the vision of the local professionals.

NEC has thus invested significant time, effort and funds in CSR initiatives, which included the setting up of a fully-equipped and staffed office at Guayaguayare used for stakeholder engagement. Social and community events are sponsored and every effort will be made to maximize employment from the community.

It is envisaged that Port Galeota will create indirect employment by an increase in activities within the area, such as in cargo handling, equipment maintenance and administration. The port will also create additional employment from indirect services such as banking, insurance, maritime and other support services.

NEC continues to implement the Port Galeota project for which Phase 1 is expected to be completed by 2013. Significant strides have already been made for the implementation of Phase 2. When completed, the facilities would allow for rig supply operations, rig/boat repairs, modular stacking of deck cargo, bunkering, marshaling area for storage, maintenance and fabrication, tank farm storage for drilling muds, waste management facilities, and delivery of material by sea to/from Galeota. Direct delivery of materials to Galeota will minimize unsafe and costly cross-country transport from other ports such as Port of Spain and Point Lisas.

The estimated cost of this modern, fish landing facility is TT$30 million.

By VIJAI  LAL
BSc, MBA
Senior Project Engineer, NEC