SBM’s Local Content Forum: Vendors benefit from key supply chain, procurement insights

SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager (GM), Martin Cheong has said that the entity remains committed to collaborating closely with local suppliers.
He was at the time speaking at its ‘Let’s Talk Local Content’ Forum at the just concluded Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSCE).
This year, the company was appointed as the corporate Local Content Partner for the event. The seminar saw the participation of local vendors and organisations. It provided a platform for meaningful discussions about the company’s procurement process, key vendor requirements, compliance guidelines, and local content initiatives.

The forum facilitated one-on-one interactions between suppliers and company representatives from key departments, including supply chain, compliance, local content, and Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE). It is one of several routine activities conducted annually by SBM Offshore Guyana in support of local content development.
“This is accomplished through a number of initiatives and activities such as this forum, where local suppliers are updated on our procurement process and given an opportunity to have their questions answered,” Cheong said.
Meanwhile, during his remarks, Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab, underscored the need for local content development and partnerships. The secretariat also took the opportunity at the “Let’s Talk Local Content Forum” to launch the Local Content App, a digital tool designed to improve access to opportunities in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

He also described the app as a solution to persistent challenges in the sector. “In the past, companies relied on our website and social media to find opportunities. However, algorithms can limit visibility, and businesses have to constantly monitor these platforms,” he said.
Additionally, as part of the engagement an informational exchange with the GM, and Sustainability Lead, Gwenetta Fordyce underscored the importance of sustainable development and the company’s unwavering commitment to building out a business that is impactful in areas beyond the oil and gas sector in Guyana.
In their exchange with the participants the duo highlighted the work being done with the National Coordinating Coalition (NCC), Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA), and the Green Farms Initiative which supports Plympton Farm. These initiatives support the drive to build local capacity both from a human capital and supply chain perspective.
Moreover, the event featured two break-out sessions. One focused on providing key insights into the company’s procurement process. This session targeted new and potential suppliers and provided both commercial and technical insights into the procurement process.
The second session focused on procurement needs for Brownfield projects and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects. It also provided insights into spare parts requirements, including specifications and maintenance needs. The session targeted both existing suppliers and those looking to expand their offerings to meet the sector’s growing demands.
During the breakout sessions with suppliers and attendees interested in better understanding the company, the discussions were fruitful with several queries and concerns addressed. The discussions entailed providing essential insights into the company’s procurement framework, guiding businesses—particularly those that have not previously worked with SBM Offshore Guyana—on how to effectively engage with the company.
Additionally, a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel immersive experience session was held, utilising innovative technology that provided participants with an in-depth view of the FPSO. A model of the Liza Unity FPSO was also on display throughout the final day of the conference.