Member Spotlight: Friedlander Guyana Building Local Fabrication Capacity Through International Partnership

July 14, 2026•2 min read

As Guyana's energy sector continues to expand, the development of local technical capability remains one of the country's greatest long-term opportunities. Increasingly, companies are demonstrating that world-class engineering and fabrication work can be delivered locally while creating skilled employment, strengthening local content, and building expertise for the future.

One such company is SGCC member Friedlander Guyana, which is helping to build in-country fabrication capacity through international collaboration, technology transfer, and workforce development. Established through a partnership between Guyanese company Deep Water Oil and Gas Services and Consultants Inc. and French engineering company Friedlander, the business was founded with a shared vision of keeping more fabrication work in Guyana while investing in the development of Guyanese professionals.

Speaking recently with OilNOW, Director and Co-Owner Dr. Carla Crawford reflected on the company's journey and the value of building local capability. Although trained as a physician, she explained that her experience in managing a medical practice provided a strong foundation in leadership, business, and people management, skills that have proven invaluable in the energy services sector.

Since commencing operations approximately two years ago, Friedlander Guyana has grown from a small team to around 25 employees and has delivered projects for leading industry operators including SBM Offshore, Rubis, and G Mining. Among its recent achievements was the completion of high-pressure process piping fabrication for the Liza Unity FPSO as part of the Water Injection Riser Depressurization Project with SBM Offshore and ExxonMobil Guyana. Beyond the technical milestone, the project highlights the growing ability of Guyanese professionals to undertake specialized fabrication work that has traditionally been performed overseas.

Training remains central to the company's approach. Friedlander Guyana has invested in developing local talent through international technical expertise and overseas training opportunities for Guyanese employees, helping to strengthen the country's skilled workforce and long-term industrial capacity.

Dr. Crawford also encouraged more women to pursue careers in the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, confidence, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Friedlander Guyana's growth demonstrates how international partnerships, combined with local expertise and investment in people, can strengthen Guyana's industrial capabilities while creating lasting economic value. As the country's energy sector continues to evolve, companies such as Friedlander Guyana are helping to ensure that more opportunities, skills, and technical expertise remain within Guyana.

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce congratulates Friedlander Guyana on its continued growth and contribution to Guyana's local content objectives. We are proud to have the company as part of our membership and look forward to supporting its continued success.

Disclaimer: These findings came from research, and SGCC will not be liable for misinformation originating from external sources.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Guyana Office (English-speaking)
+592-703-0020 | [email protected]

Suriname Office (Dutch & English-speaking)
+592-746-0020 | [email protected]