For over 100 years, Trinidad and Tobago has been a vital producer of energy to the Caribbean.
It is the largest oil and gas producer in the region and contributes an estimated 35.7% of GDP, 78.4% of exports (2019), and 23.4% to Government revenue.
To enable cost efficient and timely production, safety is key, particularly in the case of crane operations. The transportation of heavy equipment, installation and maintenance, handling of subsea equipment and material handling are all reliant on such provisions running smoothly and efficiently.
At EnerMech, this is something we appreciate, and a collective commitment to safety, quality and integrity is at the cornerstone of what we do.
An individual who personifies these beliefs is Dayne Phillips, who has recently celebrated a 10-year anniversary as General Manager of EnerMech Trinidad & Tobago.
Dayne led the market entry in the country for our mechanical services and has worked on projects with bp, BGTT, Shell, BHP, EOG, DeNovo and the National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago during his time with us.
And more recently, he’s been working with bp to supply crane operators, inspection services and maintenance.
Here he talks about pride in his safety record in the Caribbean country and the work we are involved in across the region.
Could you tell us a little bit about projects EnerMech is involved in in Trinidad & Tobago?
The oil and gas sector is hugely important to the Trinidad & Tobago economy, accounting for 35% of the country’s GDP. We’re incredibly proud to be contributing to this and the training of local staff.
We’re currently working with a major operator and have been since 2022, providing crane operation and maintenance as well as loose lifting equipment across a number of their facilities. We provide a one-stop-shop that meets all of their needs, including supply of crane operators, inspection services and maintenance execution.
Our work with this client has grown as we are able to deliver a streamlined service through our ability to cover a multi-skilled type of maintenance support. This includes leveraging our global expertise via our Aberdeen personnel and our crane experts based in the Caspian Sea who also work with bp.
Dayne, in your decade at EnerMech, what is it you’re most proud of in your time at the company?
I’ve been in the contracting business for over 17 years, and I always tell my staff the reason why people call for Dayne Phillips is because in all my years working in the sector, there have never been any incidents or accidents on the projects I’m involved in.
The main reason this is the case is because I make sure we don’t take shortcuts. And the reason why we don’t take shortcuts is that we always aim to do the right thing and that that is the philosophy I push all the time.
What are some of your highlights in your time at EnerMech?
Over the last decade, the business has grown steadily and our reputation along with it. It’s a well-known challenging market because of its mature nature, so this ongoing success is testament to the commitment and dedication of our staff.
Guyana is really the new kid on the block and the sector is really picking up but we have been able to hold our own within the T&T region.
That we’ve also been able to work on most of the new pipelines in the region and earn major operational and maintenance contracts is an immense source of pride.
What does the future hold for EnerMech in Trinidad & Tobago?
In the coming years, Trinidad & Tobago is targeting an immense increase in its renewable energy production. For us, that presents opportunities to consolidate and build on existing relationships and also build new ones. This region has a proud history of energy production and we look forward to being at the forefront of its evolution in the coming years and decades.