In the Community

Sol confirms a smooth start to the 2013-2014 winter season in St. Maarten for its many customers.

Throughout the recent Christmas Holiday, which is traditionally the busiest period in the industry, Sol did not experience any supply issues and therefore was not required to ration jet fuel to any of its customers during the period. 

The construction of the 34,000 barrel Jet Fuel tank at Sol’s Cay Bay Depot back in 2012, has been pivotal in ensuring reliability of Sol’s supply at Princess Juliana International Airport. Today, Sol’s on island jet fuel storage capacity of 47,500 barrels far exceeds the total fuel demanded at the airport.  This capacity is maintained through strategic fuel inventory management and innovative supply policies of the company. 

After extensive discussion with the PJIA authority in 2012, Sol made the strategic decision to initiate the tank project. The intention was to be able to support the full demand of the industry and to safeguard the island’s very important tourism product and aviation industry. This premise was tested during the 2012-2013 winter season, where Sol’s improved Jet Fuel storage capacity was used to support the other fuel supplier at the airport and by extension, the entire aviation industry; thereby  avoiding any rationing situations  which may have led to a negative impact on the St. Maarten tourism industry.

To further avert any challenges to supply logistics from both a local and regional perspective, Sol established its own shipping organisation in July of 2013. This additional investment provides for enhanced reliability of supply, offering Sol’s customers greater assurances of business continuity.

General Manager of Sol in St. Maarten, David Antrobus, reaffirmed Sol’s commitment to the industry and expressed support for PIJA’s airport expansion project when he remarked, “Sol remains very interested in the growth and development of the aviation industry in St. Maarten and is very pleased with the operational success of the winter season so far. We remain committed to supporting the goals of PIJA and look forward to working with the airport in the construction of the new fuel farm there”.