Standards are important – GNBS on standards for local oil sector

After two years in the making, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Petroleum Institute, strengthening knowledge on safety and best practices for the thriving oil sector.
At the signing ceremony on Friday at the Bureau’s Sophia Exhibition Centre location, it was underlined that the growing oil industry paints the need for superlative standards to support the projected developmental trajectory and output.
Appearing virtually, Vice President at API, Alexa Burr explained that the two entities will merge their resources to enhance the current knowledge base, working with local stakeholders to implement these policies.
“We have a significant opportunity to share knowledge across the industry. We cannot be more excited that our two influential organisations are allying towards safety, sustainability and environmental protection in the oil and gas industry in Guyana.”
Meanwhile, acting GNBS Executive Director, Ramrattie Karan pointed out that the Bureau will now benefit from a series of resources through this partnership to be used in both onshore and offshore operations.

“The GNBS will be adopting a list of API standards, will be accessing training and capacity building as well as other opportunities based on the needs of the Bureau and the local industry. We will be sharing information regarding to updates to applicable regulations in the industry and enhance the understanding and implementation of the API manual of petroleum measurement standards that is used onboard the FPSO.”
Karan added that as the GNBS assumes its regulatory role in ensuring standards are met, it is seeking to forge other partnerships with API – the largest US trade association for the oil and gas industry.
“Standards are important as Guyanese businesses venture into the relatively new industry. The Bureau sees our role in the oil and gas industry as critical in ensuring the success and we also look forward to partnering with the American Petroleum Institute to standardise the practices and procedures,” the Executive Director outlined.
According to Coordinator at the Natural Resources Ministry Bobby Gossai, standards are being introduced to ensure that the country adheres to international best practices for the evolving sector.
“Working with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards is very critical for oil and gas development, especially when it comes to good oilfield practices, petroleum management standards and for the overall development of the petroleum programme in Guyana. The Ministry of Natural Resources has engaged the GNBS very frequently in ensuring that we look at standards that will cater for the development of not only the upstream sector in the oil and gas industry but also the midstream,” Gossai told officials.
He went on to detail that there is a steep learning curve for Guyana, with 22 discoveries already under its belt; and such collaborations with international stakeholders will help to fast track the country’s readiness.
“We want to see the industry grow in a manner that adheres to all of the commitments of the best practices. That is why we use the term ‘good oil field practices’. For Guyana, it is significant that we focus on developing our industry in a manner that encourages investments in a manner that sees Guyana as one that is accountable, not only in the information that is out there but the ways in which we are doing business.” (G8)