WESTERN BUREAU — A US$5.1 million state-of-the-art fuel storage facility, which is being described as one of the most modern and efficient fuel systems in the Caribbean, was recently opened at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

“With this new fuel farm, the Sangster airport will have one of the most modern, and efficient fuel systems for an airport in the region,” Robert Pickersgill, the transport and works minister, told his audience at the official opening ceremony last Friday.

The project — a joint venture undertaken by Esso Standard Oil SS Ltd, Texaco Caribbean Inc, and the Jamaican Aircraft Refueling Services — saw the replacement of the original facility that was constructed over 40 years ago.

The new facility now boasts three vertical above-ground steel tanks of 7,000 barrels or 300,000 gallons, and one above-ground horizontal tank with a capacity of 25,000 gallons. Provision has also been made for the construction of additional tanks should there be a demand for greater storage capacity in the future.

According to Pickersgill, the fuel farm was also equipped with a fire fighting system capable of providing enough water for cooling the storage tanks in the event of a fire. He also noted that the construction of the new fuel farm is another significant step in the development of the airport that is currently undergoing major expansion.

That expansion and upgrading work is being undertaken, at a cost of $180 million, by an international consortium called MBJ Airports Limited. The work is part of the company’s 30-year divestment agreement with the Government of Jamaica.

The work, which began earlier this year, is to be completed within five years and is being conducted in phases.

Phase one will include:

* the rehabilitation of the north ponds and the installation of six boarding bridges at gates one to six;

* the expansion of the ground transport hall, the customs hall and the baggage claim area; and

* the installation of a controlled security access, an intercom system and an internal elevator to service vertical movement needs within the existing building.

The next phase is to see the construction of a hold room concourse to the east of the terminal and a new aircraft parking position. In addition, there is to be:

* the construction of a supporting taxiway;

* an extension of the fuel hydrant and public address system and computer security system; and

* the renovation of the aircraft control tower.

The third and final phase will include the construction of an east concourse, the renovation of the main terminal, and the landscaping of the compound.