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Press release
Paramaribo, 24 february 2026
TotalEnergies EP Suriname has been steadily engaging local companies to prepare them for meaningful participation in Suriname’s growing offshore energy sector. As part of this commitment, SMEs, suppliers, and representatives from various industries gathered for a focused Oil & Gas Information Session, held this month at the Assuria Event Center.
This information session forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen the readiness of Surinamese companies. Building on insights from the Industrial Baseline Study commissioned by TotalEnergies, the session highlighted priority local content opportunities while helping suppliers understand what is required to participate competitively.
To make these opportunities more tangible, the discussion focused on several key sectors essential to offshore operations — including Consulting & Financial Services, Waste Management, Food Supply & Catering, Environmental & Social Consultancy, Remote Sensing/Drone Services and Monitoring & Laboratory Testing.
The event opening was led by Artur Nunes da Silva, Country Chair and Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Suriname.
Beyond Energy Production: Building an Ecosystem
In his opening speech, Artur Nunes da Silva positioned local participation within a broader national vision for sector development, emphasizing TotalEnergies’ long‑term commitment to strengthening Suriname’s wider economic ecosystem. As he noted, “our vision goes beyond energy production. We have a commitment to developing our sector economic ecosystem in Suriname.”
With the GranMorgu project progressing toward first oil in 2028, he highlighted the growing demand for services such as laboratory monitoring, remote sensing, catering, waste management, environmental consultancy and logistics, areas that represent concrete opportunities for local companies to build capacity and align with international requirements.
Nunes da Silva also reinforced the strategic philosophy guiding local content development, describing it as a long-term investment rather than a procedural requirement, supported by transparency, dialogue, and collaboration. He highlighted that the interactive format of the session was designed to encourage open exchange, noting that “it’s not only about us showing you what the industry is. I would really like this session to be the opportunity for you to share your concerns.”‑term investment rather than a procedural requirement
The message was clear, as he emphasized: “Building a sustainable ecosystem requires partnership, openness, and mutual readiness.”
The day’s agenda, performed by TotalEnergies team, covered a range of essential themes for companies seeking to operate in the offshore sector:
Safety at the Core of Performance
Safety was established as the foundation for the day’s discussions, reinforcing that readiness for the oil and gas supply chain begins with discipline and a strong operational culture. The session highlighted how a structured approach to safety not only protects people and assets but also enhances overall performance, as companies that embed consistent safety practices tend to demonstrate higher levels of operational reliability and professionalism. Participants were reminded that for SMEs seeking to enter the sector, implementing a formal management system covering quality, health, safety, and environmental standards is not optional but fundamental to eligibility. The message underscored that without robust HSSE processes in place, no company is positioned to operate in the industry’s demanding environment.
Procurement: Principles Before Contracts
Procurement was presented as a critical mechanism for ensuring that supplier engagement is structured, transparent, and aligned with international standards. The session outlined how entering the oil and gas supply chain requires companies to meet clear qualification criteria based on technical capability, compliance maturity, HSSE performance, and financial stability.
Participants were introduced to TotalEnergies’ standardized four step vendor qualification process, which includes preliminary screening, risk assessment, detailed evaluation, and continuous monitoring.
The emphasis was on preparation: companies seeking long-term collaboration must demonstrate reliable documentation, strong management systems, and the ability to consistently deliver on commitments. By adopting professional standards and predictable processes, suppliers position themselves to integrate into a global value chain that prioritizes responsibility, traceability, and performance.
Compliance and Transparency
Compliance and ethical conduct are fundamental pillars of responsible participation in the offshore sector. Companies must operate within clear regulatory frameworks that address anticorruption, anti-fraud, antitrust, personal data protection, and adherence to international sanctions.
Participants gained insights into how transparency is safeguarded through contractual mechanisms, monitoring systems, and robust reporting structures that underpin trust throughout the value chain. The discussion made clear that compliance is not an administrative formality but a strategic requirement for credibility, accountability, and long-term operational stability. Suppliers were encouraged to develop internal governance practices that reflect industry expectations and support a culture of integrity.
HSSE and Environmental Responsibility
The HSSE segment highlighted how responsible operations require both advanced engineering and disciplined execution. The GranMorgu FPSO design integrates technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact, including systems that reduce emissions, improve monitoring, and strengthen operational control.
However, technology was presented as only one part of the equation. Effective implementation depends on trained personnel, robust procedures, and continuous operational readiness. Local companies were reminded that HSSE standards apply across every phase of the supply chain and must be embedded into organizational culture. Meeting these requirements is essential not only for regulatory compliance but for safeguarding people, assets, and the environment while ensuring resilient and sustainable operations.
From Awareness to Alignment
Throughout the session, participants actively contributed with questions, insights and reflections on the requirements for entering the offshore supply chain. These exchanges highlighted both the ambitions and the practical challenges faced by local companies as they work to strengthen management systems, clarify certification needs and better understand the expectations associated with governance, procurement, compliance and HSSE. The interactive discussions helped address common uncertainties and provided a clearer view of what alignment with international standards entails.
The Oil & Gas Awareness Session marked a significant step toward aligning international standards with Suriname’s local ambition. TotalEnergies EP Suriname remains committed to strengthening this bridge through safety, transparency, compliance and long‑term partnership. Moving forward, collaboration will be essential to ensure successful and sustainable local participation in the offshore sector.