French offshore vessel owner Bourbon has secured a major boost in Guyana after signing a five-year maritime services contract with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, with options to extend. The deal will begin in the first quarter of 2026 and will be anchored by the large platform supply vessel Bourbon Calm, which will handle the transport of products essential to ExxonMobil’s expanding offshore operations.
Guyana has become one of the world’s fastest-growing offshore hubs since the first oil discoveries in 2015, with a steady stream of new FPSOs coming online. Bourbon has been active in the country’s offshore sector since 2019, supporting drilling, production and logistics with a mix of local expertise and modern OSVs.
A key element of the new contract is the approval for chemical transport by PSV in Guyana for the first time, in full compliance with the OSV chemical code. To meet regulatory requirements, Bourbon carried out targeted upgrades on the Bourbon Calm, including modifications to pumping systems, improved tank-cleaning capabilities and reinforced operational procedures. These changes were validated by the maritime authorities and the class society DNV.
Bourbon said the vessel is now among the very few OSVs worldwide certified for this type of operation, giving it a competitive advantage in a basin where logistics demands continue to rise.
“This new contract illustrates ExxonMobil Guyana’s confidence in Bourbon’s ability to offer safe, innovative and economically efficient maritime solutions that comply with the highest regulatory standards,” said Karim Mebarek, the company’s chief commercial officer. “With its high-quality design and above-average liquid capacity, the Bourbon Calm meets demanding technical and environmental requirements while ensuring reliable offshore support.”
