A new modern aviation fuel storage and plane fuelling facility has opened at Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman.
Fuel suppliers Sol Petroleum Cayman and Rubis Cayman Islands coordinated the $20 million project to create the GCM Aviation Facility, which has a 10,000-barrel capacity.
Its location will negate the use of trucks travelling to and from fuel terminals on South Church Street to refuel planes at the airport – a practice that has been ongoing since 2018.
The aim of the venture was to ensure smoother imports, amplify Cayman’s economic vitality and reinforce its position as a destination and regional hub, a press release said.
It will also guarantee an efficient and secure supply of aviation fuel, and contribute to safe and reliable airline operations, it added.
Pierre Magnan, president of The Sol Group and Parkland International, said the facility is the result of longstanding commitment, substantial investment and dedication.
“Our investment in strengthening airport infrastructure will have long-term positive impacts on the country’s economic vitality,” he said.
In the press release, Andres Barthel, managing director of Rubis Cayman Islands, added that the fuel hub meets all relevant international standards.
“These facilities were built at the highest industry standards and are definitely one of the top aviation fuel storage and into-plane facilities within the region,” he said.
A ribbon cutting was held at the site on Tuesday, 24 Oct., to mark the opening of the facility.
In attendance were members of Rubis and Sol, as well as Stran Bodden, chief officer at the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, and Albert Anderson, CEO of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority.
Related Videos
I thought there was an underground pipeline supplying the fuel from the S Church St depots to the airport.