The schedule of bpTT's US$2.1 billion Juniper Project is beginning to be affected by industrial tensions at the Labidco Fabrication yard where the platform is being constructed, according to Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine.
Ramnarine said if a quick resolution is not arrived at between workers and their employer, Trinidad Offshore Fabricators (Tofco), it could spell a loss of revenue and natural gas production for the country. Tofco workers have caused numerous work stoppages due to protests over terms and conditions of employment.
"Juniper is important for the country and any delay on the project will impact on the schedule of the project and will delay the date of first gas," said Ramnarine, speaking at the Energy Chamber luncheon held at Paria Suites, La Romaine, on Wednesday.
First gas from the facility is expected in 2017.
Ramnarine spoke about the importance of this investment in the upstream sector, which is to be mainly driven by BP, BG and BHP, especially in light of the drop in oil and gas prices.
"Any delay in the schedule of Juniper is not in the interest of the country," he said.
Two weeks ago, Tofco workers got the ear of Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and a meeting was arranged for representatives to meet with Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod and members of the inter-ministerial team on labour matters.
Mc Leod told the Guardian earlier that he was in the process of arranging a meeting with Tofco's management.
Speaking to the media following the luncheon, Ramnarine said he did not have a status report on the outcome of that meeting.
"What I can tell you is that there has been significant loss time at the Labidco Fabrication yard and it is beginning to affect the schedule of the Juniper Project. We need that platform to be out to sea by the year 2017 to begin to produce natural gas for our economy."
The minister said the project schedule cannot be allowed to slip.
"Every day that gas is delayed is a day that we lose revenue and we lose natural gas production in this country. So whatever the issue is between the workers and Tofco, I hope it is resolved very quickly and that we get that platform construction going again."
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