In a major historic feat, it has been reported that Guyana’s first artificial island, which is part of the reclaimed land that will be transformed into the estimated 44-acre mega-project to create the shore base is being created in the Demerara River.
In a statement, the company behind the project, Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc (VESHI), said “The project managers have warned that the site remains an active construction zone and landing on the island is prohibited.
“The island structure, while visible, is not yet a fully stable formation. The team is therefore urging all to remain clear of the construction zone and to adhere to the previously issued notices.
According to the company, phase one of the project is meant to be the special purpose vehicle to serve as a SURF (Subsea Umbilicals, Riser and Flowlines) Shorebase for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) projects.
The statement added that “The project is currently in the sandkey reclamation phase. During this phase, the dredger, M.V Galileo Galilei, will continue the process of adding reclaimed material for the creation of the artificial island on which the construction of the new terminal will be situated.”
It is imperative to note that Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc.is a joint venture between NRG Holdings Inc.—a 100 per cent Guyanese-owned consortium that is the majority shareholder –and Jan De Nul, an international maritime infrastructure company headquartered in Luxembourg
The company stated that the project started the first step in June, which entailed the dredging of the access channel in the Demerara River including the deepening/widening of the existing nautical channel, berth pockets, and turning basin.
“This phase has been hailed a success by the project managers and the upgraded channel has been handed over to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD)”
Records have it that VESHI is currently the largest Guyanese private sector investment in the oil and gas sector and is expected to cost over US$300 million.
Project directors said the support and encouragement given by the government of Guyana have been reassuring and augur well for additional investment and the future of Guyana. The project is expected to become operational this year.
