NP to THA: $50m to link fuel lines to new terminal

The newly constructed ANR Robinson International Airport terminal in Tobago faces a significant hurdle before it can operate at full potential: the absence of a fuelling station. The National Petroleum Company Ltd (NP) has informed the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) that connecting the necessary fuel lines from the old airport to the new terminal will incur a substantial cost of $50 million. This revelation has brought to light a critical oversight in the terminal's planning and construction.

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine expressed his disappointment, recalling that the issue of a fuelling station was raised as early as 2022. Despite these prior concerns, the terminal was built without this essential infrastructure. Augustine emphasized that the THA desires a modern, efficient, and competitive airport, not just a facility for planes to land and take off. The lack of a fuelling station directly impacts the terminal's operational efficiency and its ability to generate income, a key consideration for any modern airport.

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I met with NP some months ago (and) they indicated it would cost them about $50 million to run the line to the new terminal, and NP was wondering whether or not they should now bear that cost, so all of those things are being considered because we don’t just want a new terminal; we want a terminal that is modern, that is efficient, that is competitive with the others in the region and beyond the region.

Augustine stated that the THA is willing to work with the Central Government to find a solution. The cost of connecting the fuel lines is a significant figure, and NP has questioned whether they should bear this expense alone. These considerations are currently under review as discussions continue. The Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Jearlean John, has also acknowledged the concern regarding the lack of fuelling capacity and plans to meet with officials to discuss the way forward. The matter is slated to be brought before the Cabinet next week, indicating the seriousness with which the issue is being treated at the national level.

This situation highlights the challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly when inter-governmental coordination may be lacking. For Tobago, a region heavily reliant on tourism and air travel, a fully functional and modern airport is paramount. The current situation, where a brand-new terminal lacks basic operational necessities, is not only inefficient but also reflects poorly on the planning process. The THA's proactive stance in seeking collaboration underscores their commitment to ensuring the ANR Robinson International Airport becomes the income-generating facility it has the potential to be, despite the initial setbacks.

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But of course, as usual, in 2022 the THA was ignored, our thoughts were not considered at the time and the terminal was built without that critical infrastructure there.