PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC — The Trinidad and Tobago Government Tuesday confirmed that the Canadian fertiliser company, Nutrien, along with other ‘downstreamers’ and users of the port have been in discussions with the National Energy Corporation (NEC) discussing contractual arrangements for the use of the port and other related matters.

“Those discussions have also focused on the need to update contracts,” Energy and Energy Industries Minister, Dr Roodal Moonilal said in a statement, blaming the former Administration for failing “to negotiate new contractual arrangements with several of the downstream operator”.

Earlier, Nutrien, regarded as the world’s top potash producer announced that it has started a controlled shutdown of its Trinidad nitrogen operations at the Point Lisas facility which would become effective from Thursday this week.

It cited cited port access restrictions imposed by NEC and a lack of reliable, economic natural gas supply, which has reduced the free cash flow for the operations over time and that it will continue discussions with stakeholders and assess options for its other operations in Trinidad.

Nutrien said it will continue discussions with stakeholders and assess options for its other operations in Trinidad.

Moonilal said that the new government, which came into office following the April 28 General Elections this year, is now involved in discussions with Nutrien “concerning port restrictions and port access and I expect that this matter will continue to occupy our attention.

“Those discussions are ongoing, and we will have further updates in the coming days. Again, to confirm that this is a matter that is ongoing, and we are meeting with the various entities and users of the port to do what the former Administration failed to do, which is to regularise and update contractual arrangements surrounding the use of the port and related matters,” Moonilal added.

Nutrient produces roughly 85,000 tonnes of ammonia and 55,000 tonnes of urea per month through its operations in Trinidad and Tobago. And the company said it expects to remain within its 2025 annual nitrogen sales outlook of 10.7 million to 11.2 million tonnes, supported by strong performance at its North American operations.

Nutrien Ltd is a global provider of crop inputs and services.