In Business

PHILIPSBURG – The Management at SOL announced today that the construction of the 34,000 barrel Jet Fuel tank at its Cay Bay Depot is on schedule for completion well ahead of the 2012-13 tourist season.

Construction of the new tank which began on March 20^th this year was initiated by SOL as a strategic measure to improve the inventory of Jet fuel available on the island of St Maarten. It is expected that this additional inventory will meet the demands of both the private and commercial airlines during the busy winter season. Providing there are no delays due to bad weather, the team is confident that the project should be completed during the month of November.

General Manager, David Antrobus advised that in spite of the work stoppage for approximately 5 weeks in July, the tank’s construction is well into Phase 2 of its completion. He stated,

“The construction of the Jet Fuel Tank is currently in Phase 2 of its planned works. This process includes welding of steel plates to create the 64ft high tank.  The construction of this tank is being undertaken by J & F Engineering N.V. whose welders are certified under the American Petroleum Industry Code 650.  There has been a minor delay to the project resulting from the time taken for the approval of work permits for these welders. However, since receiving the required permits the contractor has intensified his efforts and we are confident that we will reach Phase 3- the testing and completion stage - within the planned timetable”.

From all accounts, the Management and project team at SOL ANTILLES N. V. are happy to report that the Jet Fuel Tank construction is well on its way towards the planned completion date and should be available and in service for the start of the busy aviation season.