Seamless logistics solutions

Trinidad and Tobago

Shaun Rampersad, COO of Ramps Logistics, talks to The Energy Year about how logistics companies help achieve decarbonisation goals and how the company plans to seize opportunities from emerging cross-border developments. Ramps Logistics is a provider of transportation and supply chain solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.

How can logistics companies help achieve decarbonisation goals?
Logistics companies can play a crucial role in achieving decarbonisation goals by optimising the use of assets that have a lower carbon footprint where it is economically viable. One of the main challenges is accurately measuring the carbon emissions associated with transportation. This requires co-ordination with providers to track emissions through various methods such as monitoring fuel consumption. While this practice is still emerging in Trinidad, it is already being implemented by airlines internationally.
A significant strategy for reducing carbon emissions in logistics involves the efficient utilisation of cargo space. By consolidating shipments to maximise the capacity of each vehicle, logistics companies can significantly reduce the number of trips required, thereby decreasing both operational costs and carbon emissions. Additionally, from a health, safety, and environment (HSE) standpoint, fewer vehicles on the road mean a lower risk of accidents and associated harms.
Looking forward, by 2025, Ramps Logistics aims to launch a digital platform that enhances visibility for other operators. This platform will facilitate the sharing of assets, promoting a more sustainable use of resources across the logistics sector.

What are some local and regional projects that you are excited about at the moment?
Currently, there is a dynamic surge of projects within our region that are quite stimulating. Both Trinidad and Guyana are experiencing significant increases in activity. We are particularly enthusiastic about the potential collaborations with Venezuela regarding the Dragon and Manatee gasfields. These collaborations represent promising opportunities for energy development and regional co-operation.
In Trinidad, BP is maintaining its momentum with ongoing drilling operations using one rig. Additionally, there are new production-sharing contracts that are opening up opportunities to explore more deepwater assets. Among these, Woodside’s Calypso deepwater gasfield stands out, although it is currently awaiting government approval.
Meanwhile, in Guyana, the industry’s growth is remarkable, showing substantial advancements. Furthermore, Suriname is also emerging as a key player in the region with its first offshore oil and gas project initiated by TotalEnergies in partnership with the government. These developments signal a robust future for energy and resource management in our area.

What is the current demand for logistics, and how has your company benefited from it?
The demand for logistics is intrinsically linked to activity across various industries, particularly in the upstream sector. As long as there is a need to transport people and goods, the demand for logistics services remains robust. This past year, Ramps Logistics has significantly benefited from this demand. In 2023, we began managing logistics for Shell in Trinidad, marking our first involvement with the company in decades.
We are actively exploring new opportunities to showcase our capabilities further. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in logistics demand, especially driven by the booming oil and gas sectors in Suriname and Guyana. With the influx of cashflow from Guyana, we’ve observed a surge in imports into the country, expanding the scope of logistics needs to include sectors like construction, entertainment and food distribution. This diversification has allowed us to broaden our services and reinforce our position in the market.

As downstream production continues to undergo challenges, where do you think the sector has demonstrated the most strength?
Despite the ongoing challenges in downstream production, notably with gas supply constraints, the sector has shown remarkable resilience primarily due to the expertise in managing complex operations. A significant component of this strength comes from the involvement of skilled Trinidadian professionals who are adept at running these facilities. This local expertise is evident both on the operational side and within the service sector, underscoring the capability and adaptability of our workforce.
Moreover, the government, particularly through the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC), has played a crucial role in sustaining the sector’s vitality. Their proactive engagement and flexibility in contract negotiations have been pivotal. The government’s efforts extend to facilitating extensive discussions and negotiations with both the US and Venezuela, aiming to secure new avenues for cross-border and Venezuelan gas supplies. These initiatives are critical in bolstering the downstream industry and ensuring its continued contribution to the regional economy.

How is Ramps preparing to seize opportunities in cross-border and deepwater projects?
Ramps Logistics is actively preparing to capitalise on the burgeoning opportunities in cross-border and deepwater projects expected to unfold over the next several years. We anticipate significant developments in cross-border fields within the next two to five years, while the major activities in deepwater projects are projected to occur within the next three to seven years.
In readiness for these cross-border developments, we are strategically enhancing our systems and infrastructure. Shell, a key player in these ventures, especially in the Dragon field, relies on us as a logistics partner. To meet their demands effectively, we are ensuring that our team is equipped with the right skills and that our processes are finely tuned to handle the complexities of these projects.
Additionally, we have dedicated personnel in Venezuela focused on fostering relationships with essential local stakeholders and regulatory bodies. This groundwork is crucial for smoothing the way for future collaborations and operations.
On the technology front, Ramps Logistics is upgrading our capabilities to manage more intricate logistics and inventory projects. These improvements are designed to support major operators such as Woodside, Shell and BP as they advance into these challenging yet rewarding projects. Our goal is to provide seamless, efficient logistics solutions that align with the dynamic needs of these expansive operations.

What do you look for in your relationships as you expand your operations?
As we expand our operations, the qualities we seek in our partnerships are pivotal to our success. Foremost, we prioritise trustworthiness, particularly in terms of compliance. It is crucial that our partners adhere to the highest standards in all regulatory and legal frameworks, which facilitates a smooth collaboration, especially when integrating new technologies.
Additionally, we value partners who can seamlessly align with our technological infrastructure, enabling efficient and integrated operations. Reliability is another critical attribute; we depend on partners who consistently meet deadlines and maintain high quality standards.
Moreover, the interpersonal aspect of our partnerships is equally important. We look for partners who are not only enjoyable to work with but also bring a wealth of experience and cost-effectiveness to the table. Finally, cultural alignment is essential. It’s important that our partners share similar values and work ethics, ensuring a harmonious relationship that can thrive in a collaborative environment. These elements together form the foundation of successful and sustainable business relationships as we continue to grow and evolve in our industry.

In what ways has new technology aided the development of your business?
New technology has been a cornerstone in the evolution and growth of our business, playing a critical role in both operational efficiency and strategic expansion. Over the past five years, we have invested significantly in technology by maintaining a dedicated team of over 10 programmers. This team is responsible for developing and enhancing our in-house LASER ERP system, which is essential for managing our diverse business operations effectively.
Currently, our focus is on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise our logistics processes. This initiative aims not only to enhance our service offerings but also to position us to expand these innovations globally. The integration of AI into our operations is expected to streamline our workflows, reduce overhead costs and improve decision-making processes.
The impact of technology on our business has been profound. It has drastically reduced costs and significantly boosted our operational efficiency, allowing us to manage our resources more effectively. As we continue to harness the power of advanced technologies, we are setting the stage to scale our operations and establish ourselves as a major international player in the logistics industry.

Read our latest insights on:

• Guyana
• Suriname
• Trinidad and Tobago