GtE pipeline not ruptured – EPA, MARAD reject opposition’s claim

See joint statement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD):

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) wish to jointly address recent reports circulating in the media alleging that the natural gas pipeline supplying the 300 megawatt Gas-to-Energy facility at Wales, West Coast Demerara, has ruptured.

Both agencies state unequivocally that there is no factual basis for these claims. The pipeline in question is not currently active, and no gas is flowing through it. As there is no gas passing through the line, there can be no leak or damage of the nature suggested in these reports.

Since May 2026, ExxonMobil Guyana has been conducting a scheduled inspection of the subsea pipeline, an exercise expected to span approximately three months. This inspection programme involves five vessels operating along the West Coast of Demerara and was the subject of a public notice issued by MARAD. Members of the public and mariners in the area were advised accordingly in advance of this activity.

The EPA and MARAD confirm that a report relating to the pipeline was received and duly investigated. Following the joint assessment, the matter was determined to be a slight anomaly, which was thoroughly investigated by both agencies. Out of an abundance of caution, further inspections are being conducted to confirm the continued integrity of the pipeline, consistent with standard safety protocols.

The EPA and MARAD remain committed to transparency and to safeguarding public and environmental safety throughout the Gas-to-Energy Project. Both agencies will continue to provide accurate, timely updates to the public and urge that facts be verified through official channels before conclusions are drawn that could cause unnecessary alarm among residents of West Coast Demerara.