FREEPORT ﾖ Attorney Fred Smith told Rotarians yesterday the European energy giant Tractebel designs its facilities using the latest technology and know-how to assure safe, environmentally responsible and efficient operations.
The global energy giant is awaiting approval to build and operate a multi-million dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at Freeport Harbour.
“Tractebel has recognized and has acknowledged and is cognizant of the fundamental concern of the [Grand Bahama] Port Authority and the Government, especially also the citizens of Grand Bahama, to construct the project in a safe and environmentally sound manner and to operate in accordance with international safety standards,” said Smith, who represents the company locally.
Largest investments for Freeport
If Tractebel gets the green light, it will be one of the largest investments Freeport has seen for decades, the Rotary Club of Lucaya heard during its weekly luncheon at the Ruby Swiss Restaurant.
“The total investment for this facility… is over $450 million on this side of the Gulf Stream and with the United States component being another $150 to $200 million making a total of between $650 to 700 million,” he said.
The plan is to construct a receiving, storage and regasification terminal at the harbour over a 200-acre site, the old Bahamas Cement plant, and run a pipeline from Freeport to Florida.
The pipeline will run from the Freeport Harbour 90 miles to Port Everglades, Florida, to connect to the facilities in Southern Florida and provide fuel for the energy market in Florida.
The plan also proposes to construct a private, dedicated berth inside the harbour, away from other marine traffic. Smith said the complex and harbour will be surrounded with the appropriate safety and security buffer zones.
The project was originally conceived and developed by Enron, which went bankrupt, and purchased by Tractebel in 2002.
Environmentally conscientious
Tractebel operates in an environmentally conscientious manner and in accordance with the highest safety standards, Smith told the businessmen and women.
The company owns and operates LNG facilities in Massachusetts and Belgium.
The energy company completed its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and submitted it to the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and the Government in early December 2003.
An EIA summary will be available online at www.tractebelcalypso.com for members of the public to review and submit comments on line, and Smith is encouraging the public to review the document at either the GBPA or on the website.
He noted that Freeport’s established port infrastructure, skilled labour, marine services, protected deep water harbour, experienced and capable port management, available and sufficient land for the project and the creation of a safety zone will enable Tractebel to build and operate an efficient and safe LNG terminal which meets and complies with international accepted industry standards.
Construction to begin this year
Subject to receiving all Bahamas Government and GBPA reviews and approvals, the global energy service business anticipates beginning construction of the project this year and begin operation in 2007.
The project consists of three basic phases: construction, laying the pipeline, and operation of the terminal and pipeline.
Some 300 Bahamians and 100 expatriates are expected to be employed during construction over a period of 36 to 40 months.
Meanwhile, personnel training for the operation of the terminal will be carried out and the pipeline will begin running soon after construction.
“The total workforce of the terminal will be approximately 60 to 50 employees, of whom 12 initially will be expat managers and the rest would be Bahamians,” Smith revealed.
It is expected that the managerial posts held by expatriates will eventually be phased out and taken up by Bahamian managers.
Tractebel appreciates that all Government and Port Authority approvals are subject to Tractebel satisfying the government and GBPA that the facility, terminal and pipeline can be operated safely and will not impact detrimentally upon the environment or the Freeport Harbour or any other part of The Bahamas, Smith said.
By Lededra Ferguson, The Nassau Guardian
